Few fixtures in the Bundesliga carry quite the weight of SC Magdeburg vs THW Kiel. Both sides have impressed early on, but while Magdeburg have continued to set the standard, Kiel appear to have found something that has been missing for some time. We asked three experts to explain what has changed – and what could decide the showdown.
To get an expert perspective on the showdown, we turned to three journalists with extensive knowledge of German and international handball.
Sascha Staat is a German handball journalist and one of the familiar voices covering the Bundesliga and the wider European handball scene.
Björn Pazen is a long-time handball journalist with extensive experience covering the Bundesliga, European competitions and major international tournaments.
Chris O’Reilly is a handball journalist and commentator with broad knowledge of European handball, including the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Both clubs have impressed so far. Which team have you been most impressed by, and why?
Sascha Staat:
“I’m impressed by Kiel, because usually it takes more time to include new players on key positions into the team. Börge Lund has done a great job so far making sure players like Julian Köster and Domen Makuc play the level the played before at their former clubs.”
Björn Pazen:
“Compared to the previous season, definitely THW Kiel. Börge Lund, Domen Makuc and Julian Köster had inserted fresh blood to the Zebras, the fans are behind them as one, the atmosphere in the team seems to be brilliant. Magdeburg is Magdeburg, with consistency and the doing exactly the things they always do. But the defeat at Melsungen was a huge psychological setback, as it was obvious for more than 40 minutes that they lacked the ideas how to win – which rarely happens.”
Chris O’Reilly:
“Kiel have impressed me slightly more so far. Although they have had the easier run to begin the season, they have managed each of their tasks well, while Magdeburg’s start to the season has been as expected, besides the loss to Melsungen. Kiel have had more work to do with the changes in coach and integrating their new players, which has looked like a smooth transition so far.”
Magdeburg are Magdeburg, but Kiel have looked better so far than they have for quite some time. What has changed for Kiel this season?
Sascha Staat:
“I think the difference with Kiel is the quality of the players. Köster is a monster on defense and brings a winning mentality to the club, which they lacked a little in the past years. The defense is better now compared to last year just with him being on the court. And Domen Makuc is just a better player and Elias Ellefssen a Skipagotu. It shows.”
Björn Pazen:
“The flow, the speed, the mentality. It looks like the change of coach from Jicha to Lund has set free a lot of energy, joy and confidence. But to be honest: except the derby thriller last Saturday, Kiel did not face top opponents in the first five matches, the 10 points were easier to get, but in contrast to previous seasons, they did not lose or give points against lower teams. And it seems to be a huge advantage that now Gonzalo Perez de Vargas and Andy Wolff had a full preparation together and boost each other with great performances.”
Chris O’Reilly:
“Kiel’s defence is looking much improved. This appeared to be a key area on paper over the summer and while Köster’s addition has been massive, the whole squad appear to know exactly what they’re doing when they go on court. The versatility in defensive formations is very impressive and it looks like coach Lund has put the finishing touches on what Filip Jicha was trying to create in recent years.”
What are the biggest keys for Magdeburg to win this game?
Sascha Staat:
“Using the chances they create, thus being super efficient. Magdeburg usually doesn’t make a lot of technical mistakes, but they have become less clinical in recent time. They still have a fantastic team, but maybe the lack the eager to win after winning so many titles recently.”
Björn Pazen:
“The motivation that Kiel were the only team last season, which beat SCM on their way to the trophy. The home atmosphere (which is a huge factor). The re-birth of Matthias Musche on the left wing. And their classic regular style of playing, including never giving up, even if they are down.”
Chris O’Reilly:
“One of their goalkeeper duo needs to have a game that we know both are capable of. However, it’s not just down to the keepers, the defence has looked a little leaky so far and they need to be able to cope with what Kiel throw at them.”
What are the biggest keys for Kiel to win this game?
Sascha Staat:
“Staying calm and not overpowering emotionally. If you want to win against Magdeburg, I think your chances are higher keeping your calm, making right decision after right decision.”
Björn Pazen:
“The goalkeeper duo, though the pair Dominik Kuzmanovic/Matej Mandic (SCM) is the second best of the league). The inspiring match play of Domen Makuc, the power of Julian Köster, the higher speed compared to last season.”
Chris O’Reilly:
“Mentality will be crucial. The lost point against Flensburg will have hurt. How have they dealt with that and how will they deal with facing the task of the reigning champions in their own back yard.”
Finally, give us your score prediction?
Sascha Staat:
“Magdeburg wants to show they are the team to beat, so I predict them to win 34:32.”
Björn Pazen:
“30:28 for Magdeburg after a really close encounter…”
Chris O’Reilly:
“Magdeburg 31:31 Kiel.”