In 2001, there was still the European Cup Winners' Cup, which did not end with a Final Four but with a "double" final. At that time, "Hell North" still resided in the Fördehalle, where SG Flensburg-Handewitt played against Ademar León with a 32:25 victory. This was followed by a three-day tour to Spain from April 27 to 29, 2001. Some impressions from 25 years ago.
Charter trip. The SG management decided on a three-day charter trip. On April 27, they sailed from Sonderborg to Leon, returning two days later. But not by the shortest route: the air corridor over France remained closed for the SG family on the outward flight. There was too much going on above the clouds. During the entire flight, Jan Fegter, Jan Holpert, Matthias Hahn and Andreas Thiel were already in competition mode. This quartet of players played Doppelkopf tirelessly.
Heavenly hell. The press reported on the use of drums and the distribution of 1000 wooden rattles to the spectators inLeón - under the headline "A heavenly hell". SG coach Erik Veje Rasmussen was not worried: "It can't be worse than noise." Then the final was declared a high-security event. Politicians feared the appearance of German hooligans.
The accommodation. In the city center of León, the team, coach, manager and support staff stayed at the "Conde Luna", while the sponsors and press representatives stayed just a few hundred meters away at the "Alfonso V".
Brave fans. A bus with 40 brave fans was on the road for a total of four days and arrived in Spain almost 24 hours before kick-off. The bus drivers Jens Matthiesen and Holger Jessen were allowed to use the highways in France. However, there were barriers in the hall. The fan block was surrounded by police.
Before the game. In the morning, the SG handball players were busy with one last video analysis. They had pasta for lunch. Then the SG players strolled through the old town of León and visited the large cathedral. Kick-off in the "Palacio de Deportes" was at 4.10 pm.
The atmosphere. A concert of whistles greeted the guests. The home crowd waved countless small flags. On the main stand, 3,000 cardboard placards were held up in the shape of the word "León". A shower of confetti poured down onto the pitch. The atmosphere continued to boil over as Ademar León quickly reduced the deficit.
The game. The SG was well back in contention at the break, but then suffered a weak spell. It was soon 13:19 - now every goal counted. It was obvious that the SG attack was finding it extremely difficult against the compact Ademar defense.
Dramatic decision. The home side led 24:18 shortly before the end, just one goal short of the title. Stefan Schröder was shown the red card after an "emergency brake" against Carlos Lima. León were awarded a seven-meter penalty. Alberto Entrerrios had it in his hand. But Jan Holpert saved with his "golden foot". His colleagues made it through the final seconds outnumbered. Igor Lavrov even scored to make it 19:24, after which a crowd of jubilant players, coaches and managers quickly formed.
