The SG Flensburg-Handewitt remains unbeaten in the DAIKIN HBL. It won 33:29 (17:13) against HSV Hamburg on Sunday afternoon. The SG's top scorers were Marko Grgić (7) and Simon Pytlick (6).
A standing ovation greeted the first sequences of the game. Marko Grgić was the dominant figure: one goal in front, one ball won at the back. After a very effective start, the flood of goals subsided. One reason: numerous goalkeeper saves. In view of the attacking machinery with which both teams had recently operated, it was almost surprising that the defensive lines were now more convincing. The SG conceded the equalizer for the last time at 5:5. Kent Robin Tønnesen replied with a double from the backcourt. Nevertheless, Aleš Pajović saw the need to tweak his attack and pressed the buzzer. That was followed by the SG's best spell. Lukas Jørgensen scored in front and robbed Hamburg of the ball again as he ran back. Shortly afterwards, Emil Jakobsen increased the lead to 12:6 from the seven-meter line and "Hell North" went wild. The visitors from the Elbe now tried with seven attacking players. Nevertheless, the SG went into the break with a comfortable lead.
Hamburg came close once more
Kevin Møller was responsible for the first notable actions of the second half: The SG keeper first saved a free throw and then a seven-meter penalty. With a goalkeeper like that, you naturally not only keep your opponents at bay, but also extend your lead. Domen Novak increased the lead to 20:14 from the right wing and Johannes Golla made it 23:18 with a superb backhand shot. However, the SG then faltered and several technical mistakes crept in. The club from Hamburg closed the gap to 24:23. Suddenly it was more than exciting again. "Let's go Flensburg, fight and win," rang out in the "Hell North". The support was definitely there. Nevertheless, HSV managed to close the gap again at 26:25. Two goals from Simon Pytlick then provided some breathing space. Discipline in attack was back and Kevin Møller made important saves at the back. The icing on the cake was the second seven-meter penalty he saved. When Simon Pytlick left the HSV defense standing like slalom poles and scored to make it 32:26, the game was decided. The SG have to travel to Romania before their top-of-the-table clash against SC Magdeburg next Saturday: The third matchday in the EHF European League is coming up.
