Berlin – Füchse Berlin took a meaningful stride toward the Final Four of the Handball Champions League, fueled by a stellar performance from Mathias gidsel. the Danish superstar’s 11 goals and nine assists led the charge in a dominant victory over Aalborg Handball, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch in Denmark [[1]].

first Half Struggles and Ludwig’s Spark

Despite the final score, Füchse Berlin faced early challenges. A high number of attacking mistakes hampered their progress, leaving them to rely heavily on Tim Freihöfer and Gidsel. Aalborg’s goalkeeper, Niklas Landin, proved a formidable obstacle, boasting six saves and a 39% save rate, contributing to Aalborg’s six-goal lead midway through the first half.

Berlin found themselves in a precarious position until Lasse Ludwig stepped up. replacing Dejan milosavljev, Ludwig made three consecutive saves, injecting new life into his team. This pivotal moment allowed Berlin to close the gap, ending the first half trailing by a single goal, 14-15.

Second half Surge: Gidsel Takes Over

The second half was a different story. Berlin emerged with renewed vigor, turning their one-goal deficit into a commanding six-goal lead (32-26) as Aalborg’s attack faltered. Gidsel was instrumental in this turnaround, spearheading a 3-0 run at the start of the half and another between the 42nd and 45th minutes, pushing the score to 27-24.

Even a red card for Mijajlo Marsenić, Berlin’s key defensive player, failed to disrupt their momentum. Füchse maintained control, securing a decisive home victory.

Gidsel’s Brilliance: A Performance to Remember

While Ludwig’s goalkeeping provided a crucial boost, it was Mathias Gidsel, the two-time IHF Player of the Year and Player of the match, who truly stole the show. he closed the first half with three goals but elevated his game in the second, playing a vital role in Berlin’s comeback. A trademark breathtaking spin shot in the final minutes underscored his dominance.

Gidsel’s performance was not just about scoring; it was about leadership and determination. He battled fiercely against familiar faces from his national team, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Füchse Berlin. His efforts have brought him one step closer to his first TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 appearance, and the second for Berlin [[2]].

According to sport1.de Das Schwierigste war: Mathias Gidsel. [[2]].

A Match Made in Handball Heaven

Having lifted the EHF European League trophy in 2022/23 and finishing as runner-up a year later, the partnership between Gidsel and Berlin appears to be a perfect fit. This synergy is so strong that Gidsel extended his contract until 2029 in February 2025, solidifying his commitment to the team.

While Mads Hoxer, who recently returned from a shoulder injury, was Aalborg’s top scorer with seven goals, and Aleks Vlah and Kristian Bjørnsen netted four each, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Gidsel’s brilliance and Berlin’s collective resilience.

The road to Cologne

With the first leg secured, Füchse Berlin now turns its attention to the rematch in Denmark.Gidsel and his teammates are determined to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 in Cologne. The team is ready for the challenge [[3]].

As Mathias gidsel himself puts it, he simply liebt es einfach, Handball zu spielen [[1]].This passion, combined with his remarkable talent, makes him a player to watch as Füchse Berlin continues its quest for Champions League glory.