Only two teams in the Opel HBL remain undefeated: THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt. The 117th regional derby is therefore a true top-of-the-table clash. The game kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Merkur Ostseehalle.
It’s the first derby of the season. As a result, there are several players who will be competing in such a match for the first time: namely, all the new signings. “They know what to expect because we’ve talked to them about it,” reveals SG coach Aleš Pajović, emphasizing: “A derby like this has special significance for the club and the fans.” This was also underscored on Wednesday evening, when everyone in Lübeck was on the edge of their seats until the narrow 38–35 victory was finally secured. Afterward, there were many conversations between the players and the fans. Most of them were already focused on the upcoming blockbuster match. “I had the feeling that my guys’ minds were already a little bit on the derby beforehand,” smiles Aleš Pajović. On Thursday morning, the SG squad met for a more recovery-focused training session. The good news: Everyone came through the cup thriller in good physical shape.
A Different Lineup Than Last Season
There have already been three derbies this year, but the SG is still waiting for a win. They suffered defeats twice in the EHF European League and once in the “strongest league in the world.” The SG’s depth in the backcourt was somewhat limited. However, THW Kiel can also field an additional second string with Julian Köster, Domen Makuc, and Emil Madsen, who has been out with an injury for some time. “Both teams are stronger now; this will be a completely different derby than the last one,” believes Aleš Pajović. The “Zebras” handled their cup match with ease, winning 41–23 in Hüttenberg. It was a walk in the park, while the SG had to fight hard. “That won’t matter on Saturday, since a derby is a completely different game,” says SG captain Emil Bergholt. Simon Pytlick sees the THW as the favorite because “we’re playing on the road.” But that doesn’t change his personal goal: “I always want to win, no matter who we’re playing.”