The SG Flensburg-Handewitt will host THW Kiel Tuesday evening in a highly anticipated match marking the start of the main round of the EHF European League. It will be the first European clash between the two German handball giants since November 2017.
The match, scheduled for 18:45 CET, takes place at the venue in Flensburg, with the hall potentially sold out, according to EHF details. Both teams enter the main round with four points carried over from the preliminary round – Flensburg having secured wins against Bidasoa Irun, and Kiel against Montpellier HB.
This contest is particularly significant as it places the two Champions League winners in Group 1 alongside Montpellier HB and Bidasoa Irun. A first-place finish in the group guarantees direct qualification to the quarter-finals, while second and third-place teams will face a playoff round over the Easter period to determine the remaining quarter-finalists.
Despite a recent Bundesliga victory over Magdeburg, THW Kiel coach Filip Jicha emphasized the unique intensity of the derby. “The derby remains the derby,” Jicha stated, acknowledging the special nature of the rivalry. He likewise noted the team’s limited recovery time following the Magdeburg match, adding, “We’ll have to witness who can even train tomorrow.”
SG Flensburg-Handewitt captain Johannes Golla echoed the sentiment that past results are irrelevant. “What happened in the past doesn’t count,” Golla said, while acknowledging Flensburg’s strong recent form. The NDR reports that Flensburg won their most recent encounter in October 36-34.
Lukas Laube, a THW Kiel player, expressed his excitement for the match, stating, “There was a huge atmosphere, I’m really looking forward to it.” He also downplayed the difference between Bundesliga and European League competition, saying, “It won’t matter whether it’s Bundesliga or European League.”
The NDR reports that this is the 114th edition of the handball “Landesderby.”
The match will be broadcast live on Dyn and DAZN.
