Füchse Berlin strengthened both their Bundesliga title hopes and their position in the race for next season’s EHF Champions League after defeating THW Kiel in a highly discussed Bundesliga clash.
The match had attracted major attention in recent days due to the complicated qualification scenario surrounding the Champions League and EHF European League. Ahead of the game, speculation emerged that Kiel could potentially benefit from a defeat depending on how the Bundesliga standings and European titles play out later this season.
Despite the debate, THW Kiel head coach Filip Jicha had firmly rejected any suggestion that his side would intentionally lose the match.
On the court, however, Füchse Berlin claimed the victory and moved one step closer to a top-two finish in the Bundesliga. The result also keeps alive the possibility of Berlin qualifying for next season’s Champions League both through the league and by winning this season’s Champions League title.
Kiel, meanwhile, remain dependent on winning the EHF European League if they want to secure a route back to the Champions League next season.
The discussion around the scenario intensified after the EHF clarified its qualification rules earlier this spring. The federation confirmed that no national federation can have more than three clubs in the Champions League, affecting how European League winners are awarded places for the following season.