For the third time in this still young handball year 2026, SG Flensburg-Handewitt will have to play in the EHF European League on a Tuesday, but for the first time away from home. The game at Montpellier HB could already decide the outcome. Kick-off is at 20:45.
The SG fans had a long weekend, but not the team. They met on Sunday for an extended training session. Today, Monday, is a travel day: the SG squad is heading for the south of France via Hamburg and Amsterdam, where another training session will be squeezed in. "There's not much new tactically," said SG coach Aleš Pajović. "We only played each other last week." There was a 40:35 win a week ago. Two points that were important and a game that did nothing to diminish respect for the opponents. "Montpellier is very fast, runs a lot and has home court - it will be tough," says Lasse Møller. "We have to focus 100 percent on this game."
Big crowd in the south of France?
Just like SG, Montpellier had a competitive game on Friday and were challenged in the French league. They won 35:31 at the Alpine club Chambery. The MHB management has chosen the encounter with the northern lights as the "top game" and is organizing a home event in the 9,000-capacity "Sud de France Arena" for the third time this season. If the home side win by five goals or more, they can still move into second place in the main round of the EHF European League. If they fail to do so, the SG will at least secure second place. If they win on the road, they could still snatch group victory from THW Kiel next week. This starting position is Aleš Pajović's goal. "To achieve that, we need to focus on our 6:0 defense and score lots of easy goals," said the head coach.