The last two times the SG Flensburg-Handewitt won the EHF European League title in Hamburg. Now they first have to qualify for the quarter-finals via the play-offs. Their opponent is the Danish representative SAH. The first leg will take place on Tuesday at 18:45 in Aarhus.
A strong group and only two out of a possible eight points in the main round have tightened the schedule for the next two weeks. "It's our own fault that we now have to play twice more," said Marko Grgić. "That means more travel and more effort." Fortunately, the logistics are comparatively modest. After all, the EHF European League play-offs feel like a double round in the Danish league, which, as we all know, has no away trips with overnight stays. The Danish representative SAH plays in the Djurslands Bank Arena in Aarhus. That's only 185 kilometers from Flensburg - a distance that allows for a day trip on the rather tranquil Jutland freeway. In sporting terms, it should be tough. "Danish teams are always particularly motivated against us," says SG captain Johannes Golla. "It hurts a little that we don't have a full squad to give 100% and rotate a lot. But we're not complaining, many teams have problems like this at the moment."
Danish duels
The SG currently has six Danes in the squad. However, one trio is either "ruled out" or "doubtful". Lukas Jørgensen will only be a spectator until the end of the season, while Simon Pytlick (abdominal muscle) and Niclas Kirkeløkke (illness) also had to miss Friday's game against Minden. Emil Jakobsen was on the left wing for one half. He can look forward to a special duel: he will face Johan Hansen, who has played for the SG for the last three years. "We wingers just stand around in the corner and wait for the ball," smiles Emil Jakobsen, who is good friends with Johan Hansen. Then he adds: "It's going to be a bit weird, but also a lot of fun." SAH can be seen as an up-and-coming team. Last season, they finished fifth in the Danish league, and currently only champions Aalborg are out of reach. "They're a very dangerous team," says Marko Grgić. "If we can only line up with three backcourt players again, it will be difficult." The aim is to get off to a good start for the second leg next Tuesday. Tip-off is again at 6:45 p.m., but then in the GP JOULE Arena.