Füchse Berlin are through to the EHF Champions League final after defeating German rivals SC Magdeburg 40–35 in a dramatic and high-scoring semifinal in Cologne. The game was level deep into the second half, but Berlin pulled away during the final ten minutes as Magdeburg went nearly nine minutes without scoring.
Mathias Gidsel once again showed why he is widely considered the best player in the world, while goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev delivered several decisive saves when the pressure was at its highest.
The semifinal between the last three Bundesliga champions lived up to expectations in front of a packed Lanxess Arena. Both teams struggled defensively early on, but Berlin found the better rhythm in attack and moved ahead 13–10 after 17 minutes thanks largely to Gidsel and playmaker Nils Lichtlein.
Magdeburg had problems in goal throughout the opening half. Sergey Hernandez was substituted after saving just one of twelve shots, but replacement David Mandic also struggled to make an impact.
Despite that, the reigning Bundesliga champions stayed in the game. Albin Lagergren impressed in the first half and Gísli Kristjánsson continued to orchestrate Magdeburg’s attack as Berlin took a 19–17 lead into the break.
A furious second half in Cologne
The goal fest continued after halftime. Berlin appeared to take control when Tim Freihöfer converted a penalty for 23–19, but Magdeburg responded in familiar fashion.
When Omar Ingi Magnusson equalized at 29–29 after 44 minutes, the match was completely open again. Moments later, Matthias Musche gave Magdeburg their first lead since 3–2.
That was when Berlin struck back.
The capital club produced another surge, and Milosavljev suddenly took over the game between the posts. The Serbian international, who is playing his final matches for Berlin before joining Kielce next season, made several crucial saves in the closing stages.
At the same time, Magdeburg’s offense completely stalled.
For almost nine minutes, they failed to score a single goal. Berlin immediately capitalized. Lichtlein made it 36–33, Gidsel and Lasse Andersson kept creating chances, and when Max Darj increased the lead to 37–33 with four minutes remaining, the semifinal was effectively decided.
Magdeburg never recovered.
Gidsel finished with another dominant performance, while Milosavljev ended the match with more decisive saves than Magdeburg’s goalkeepers combined during the decisive stretch.
The final score was 40–35, sending Füchse Berlin into their second consecutive Champions League final.
Berlin will now face the winner of Barcelona vs Aalborg in Sunday’s final. For Magdeburg, the European campaign ends in the semifinal – although the club has already secured the Bundesliga title this season. Berlin, meanwhile, still have the chance to end the year with the biggest trophy of all.