VfL Gummersbach has worked its way into the handball elite. Even direct Champions League qualification is possible.
The tension cannot be denied, the VfL Gummersbach players’ concentration is solely on the next six days – in which the work of an entire season can be decided. “We are very satisfied with our season, especially with the second half of the season,” says VfL right winger Lukas Blohme WDR.
But it has not yet been decided whether the big triumph will come about: two games are still outstanding. On Wednesday evening (8 p.m.) the Oberbergische have to play against the already established German champions SC Magdeburg, next Sunday VfL will end the season with a home game against the Rhein-Neckar Löwen.
In any case, it has to be two wins and four points if the dream of participating in the Champions League is to come true.
Complicated math games
Coach Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson’s team is at least assured of fourth place and participation in the European League. A great success for the team, which has gradually made its way back into the German elite four years after returning to the Bundesliga.
And: There is also the possibility for the Gummersbach team to reach second place. The Füchse Berlin are currently three points ahead. If this succeeds on the two remaining match days, the Champions League would be achieved.
But even if this scenario does not occur, qualification for the premier class would still be possible in another way. Then, however, there would be complicated calculation games on the part of the Europeans HandballFederation (EHF).
Strong defense, good attack
The fact is: the Gummersbachers are currently on a wave of success. “Everything that is being done on and off the field is bearing fruit. We want to continue riding the wave,” says Blohme, who is already in his seventh year playing for VfL and has experienced some downs, but above all ups – as he himself emphasizes.
Blohme is particularly pleased with the recent successes: 23:3 points in the second half of the season so far are the result of, above all, extremely solid defensive work by VfL. With “only” 877 goals conceded, the Gummersbachers currently have the second best defense behind Magdeburg (869).
But the attack doesn’t need to hide either. With 1,004 goals scored, VfL is in fourth place in this category.
Never won against Magdeburg
“We’re playing a quieter game this season Handball. We make fewer mistakes and try to be more whimsical,” says Blohme.
So far, the Gummersbachers have not managed to win against the Magdeburgers since the Bundesliga returned in 2022. They have already managed to win against every other opponent. “But we are eager to change that now,” says Blohme.
Our sources:
- Author interview with Lukas Blohme
Broadcast: WDR.de“Lukas Blohme – keep riding the wave”, June 1, 20263:25 p.m
