SG Flensburg-Handewitt suffered an extremely unfortunate loss in the top-of-the-table clash. Following their 30-31 (13-13) defeat at SC Magdeburg, they dropped to third place in the DAIKIN HBL standings. The SG’s top scorers were Simon Pytlick (8), Niclas Kirkeløkke (6), and Emil Jakobsen (6/4).
In the top-of-the-table clash between the two goal-scoring machines of the past two weeks, it took nearly three minutes for the ball to find the net for the first time. Even after that, efficiency remained somewhat lacking, and the defensive lines had their fair share of success. Leading the way was Benjamin Burić, who spectacularly saved two penalty throws and a fast break in quick succession. At first, however, the SG could only capitalize on these brilliant saves to a limited extent. But Benjamin Burić continued to prove himself a valuable asset. Gradually, the visitors were able to pull ahead. Emil Jakobsen converted a seven-meter throw to make it 5:3. Simon Pytlick finished dynamically from the backcourt to extend the lead to 9:6. The 6-0 defense won the next ball, and Marko Grgić raced toward the SCM goal. Suddenly, the lead had grown to four goals. Two shots off the post, bad luck with the referees’ calls, and their own mistakes quickly saw the cushion shrink. Three minutes before halftime, Magdeburg took the lead for the first time. The SG responded with Lasse Møller, who put his team back in front at 13:12. The teams went into the locker room tied.
Lack of luck in crunch time
In the top-of-the-table clash, everything was still up for grabs after 30 minutes. It was already known that in Berlin, the Füchse had not managed to go beyond a 30:30 draw against TSV Hannover-Burgdorf. The SG started the second half with another goalkeeping coup. Kevin Møller stepped up for a penalty throw—and came out on top. A few minutes later, he pulled off the same feat. The Magdeburg team could also rely on a strong goalkeeping performance, but now found themselves trailing again. Johannes Golla broke free at the circle and fired the ball into the net for a 19-17 lead. The home team quickly equalized again. A thrilling offensive showdown now unfolded. Unbelievable but true: Kevin Møller saved his third penalty shot as well. In response, Niclas Kirkelökke sprinted through a gap and scored the 26:24 for the SG. The visitors now had the upper hand, especially since Kevin Møller remained unbeatable from other positions as well. Marko Grgić increased the lead to 28:25 with seven minutes remaining. No one was sitting in the GETEC Arena anymore. The SCM fought their way back. The score was 30:30 as the final 60 seconds began. Marko Grgić had terrible luck with a shot. The rebound off the goalkeeper turned into an unplanned pass for a fast break. But Kevin Møller made an outstanding save. The SG had the ball again but couldn’t get off a dangerous shot. On the contrary: With four seconds left, the SCM launched another counterattack. The buzzer apparently sounded a split second too late from the SG’s perspective. The goal counted, and the Magdeburg team celebrated the championship.