SG Flensburg-Handewitt kicked off the 2026–27 season with a home win. On Friday evening, they defeated ThSV Eisenach 33–31 (20–18). The top scorers were Simon Pytlick (7) and Aymeric Minne (6).
As the team entered the dimly lit “Hölle Nord,” the atmosphere crackled with excitement, as if the nearly three-month summer break had never happened. “Stand up if you’re from Flensburg,” the crowd chanted even before the opening throw. “Ole, ole, ole, super Flensburg-Handewitt!” After 45 seconds, the SG scored its first goal of the new season. Goal-scorer Emil Jakobsen found the net from the left wing. Aymeric Minne, who played in the backcourt alongside Simon Pytlick, got off to a very strong start. Emil Bergholt finished a fast break to make it 5–2. In the first ten minutes, the SG offense was “100 percent effective.” Niclas Kirkeløkke extended the lead to 8–5. Then mistakes crept in, and ThSV Eisenach was back in the game. Benjamin Burić converted his penalty throw and, unlike a few minutes earlier, didn’t have to concede on the follow-up this time. The crowd went wild. The SG maintained a narrow lead throughout and brought in fresh legs with Marko Grgić and Blaž Blagotinšek. There was a lot of energy in the arena before halftime. The 6-0 defense earned crucial possessions. Aymeric Minne scored to make it 20–16. The cheers, however, quickly faded. With two seconds left on the clock, Eisenach had closed the gap to two goals again.
A Strong Final Stretch Sealed the Victory
The SG entered the second 30 minutes with a slim lead. However, it took only three minutes for the situation to completely turn around. 20–21—that was by no means a good start to the second half. Aymeric Minne put his team back in the lead at 22–21, but then had to receive treatment for an injury to his hand. The North Stand chanted: “Come on, Flensburg! Fight and win!” With a determined leap, Aksel Horgen snatched the ball. On the next set play, Marko Grgić scored to make it 24:22. But that was as good as it got: the SG had to work incredibly hard. Simon Möller had a strong debut between the posts. Lasse Møller scored to make it 27–26. The “Hölle Nord” crowd rallied behind the team with emotional support. Nevertheless, the score soon stood at 28–30. Their resolve remained unshaken. Marko Grgić tied the score at 30–30, Simon Möller made another save, and Emil Bergholt put the SG ahead 32–31. In the closing stages, Aymeric Minne and Simon Pytlick got in on the action. The Dane scored to make it 33:31, bringing great relief to the crowd: The SG had turned the game around after all.
