Following its success in the first leg and in the DHB Cup, SG Flensburg-Handewitt also won its third clash against Rhein-Neckar Löwen in the 2025/26 season. The three-time German champions won 36:33 (18:18) in Mannheim on the 28th matchday of the DAIKIN Handball Bundesliga to consolidate second place in the table.
Alongside top scorer Lasse Møller (9 goals), keeper Benjamin Burić was Flensburg's outstanding player in front of the numerous SG fans who had made the journey, saving 33 percent of his shots.
In addition to Luca Witzke and Lukas Jørgensen, Simon Pytlick was also missing this time (due to muscular problems). The SG therefore started with Marko Grgić in the middle and Burić in goal. It was former Lion Niclas Kirkeløkke who put the SG 1:0 ahead.
After that, however, Flensburg had to concede the lead to the hosts. At one point, the SG even trailed 9:12 (20'). The tide only turned again shortly before the break. Grgić made it 16:15 (26') for his side. The score was tied at 18:18 after 30 minutes.
The Northern Lights came out of the break in fine form. They opened up a 25:20 lead (39') within a very short space of time. Alongside Grgić, Lasse Møller also shone as an unerring scorer in this spell. There was even a chance to make it 26:20, but a pass from Grgić to Golla was unsuccessful and it soon became tense again. However, Flensburg did not allow the Lions to get any closer than 33:36 in the 43rd minute.
With the score at 29:25 in the 46th minute, the SG was faced with Mannheim's 7-on-6 play. Thanks to the outstanding Burić in goal, the visitors remained stable. With the score at 31:27, he saved his third penalty throw and 16th ball in total. Nevertheless, SG Head Coach Aleš Pajović had to call a timeout at 32:29 (54') and urge the visitors to "calm down". The gap was only three goals again and again, but Flensburg had the right response each time and did not allow the away win to be denied.
A somewhat longer break now awaits, with the next game not until April 24. At 8 p.m., the SG will host MT Melsungen in its own arena.
