SG Flensburg-Handewitt kicked off its campaign in Group E of the EHF European League with a victory. On Wednesday evening, they defeated Fraikin BM Granollers 40–31 (20–20). The SG’s top scorers were Patrick Volz (8), Lasse Møller (6), and Emil Bergholt (6).
Blue, white, and a touch of black—the SG sported this same look back in 1997, when they won the EHF Cup and eliminated Granollers in the semifinals. This season’s opener, however, was more reminiscent of their bitter quarterfinal exit in 2023. After four minutes, the visitors from Spain were indeed leading 6–2. The SG found an appropriate response relatively quickly. A penalty save by Simon Möller sparked the first burst of excitement. Patrick Volz finished a fast break to tie the score at 7–7. The first lead was down to the captain: Emil Bergholt scored from the circle to make it 11–10. The team’s performance against a fast-paced Granollers squad was still inconsistent. A 0–4 slump was followed by a 4–0 run. By halftime, 40 goals had already been scored: 20 on each side.
The defense stabilized
. When play resumed, the SG played with seven field players on offense. Blaž Blagotinšek appeared at the circle and put the ball in the net to make it 23–21. For the first time, the SG led by two goals. Kent Robin Tønnesen was in on the action and scored to make it 26–24. The next fast break was led by Patrick Volz. The lead grew, especially as Simon Möller made several key saves. After a long pass, Aksel Horgen sprinted into the circle and increased the lead to 29–24. The SG now had everything under control and was playing better defense. With two quick goals, Emil Bergholt extended the lead even further: 35–28! “Flensburg-Handewitt,” chanted the crowd as the teams gathered for a team timeout. The margin became wider than expected. Aymeric Minne brought the score to 40. The final buzzer was drowned out by a standing ovation. Then the North Stand chanted: “We’re number one in the state.”
