Flensburg Dominates Stuttgart, Secures DHB Cup Quarterfinal berth
Flensburg, Germany – SG Flensburg-Handewitt delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, defeating Frisch Auf Göppingen Stuttgart 32-24 and advancing too the quarterfinals of the German Handball DHB Cup.The victory was characterized by a relentless attack and staunch defense, preventing Stuttgart from mounting a serious challenge throughout the match.
Flensburg established control from the opening whistle, fueled by increased concentration and a balanced scoring effort. This DHB Cup win marks a meaningful step for Flensburg as they continue their pursuit of the coveted cup title, a competition historically dominated by Germany’s top handball clubs.
The match saw Blaž Blagotinšek make his 100th appearance for Flensburg, anchoring the defense. Despite an early injury – being hit in the face by a ball – captain Johannes Gola demonstrated resilience, returning to the game and contributing 5 goals. Goalkeeper Benjamin Burić proved pivotal with 11 saves, including two 7-meter throw defenses, while Luca Witzke made a return from injury, injecting positive energy into the team.
Kent Robin Tønnesen broke a four-game scoring slump, helping Flensburg build a 9-5 lead. The first half concluded with Flensburg ahead 17-12. Stuttgart attempted to shift momentum with a 5:1 defensive formation in the second half, but Flensburg responded by increasing their focus and extending their advantage.
Emil Jakobsen spearheaded the attack, scoring 7 goals in 12 minutes and ultimately finishing with a team-high 9 goals. Simon Pytlick and Marko Grgić also contributed considerably, with 6 and 5 goals respectively, alongside Gola and Tønnesen.
Despite a strong individual performance from Stuttgart’s Kai Hefner, who scored 13 goals, the team could not overcome Flensburg’s comprehensive dominance. Flensburg’s victory showcased a high-quality performance across all positions, securing their place in the next round of the DHB Cup.
