It’s two heavyweight fights in the Bundesliga today. Berlin takes on Kiel, followed by an early-season finale between Flensburg and Magdeburg.
Everything is set for a special night in the Bundesliga, with all top four teams in action against each other. First out are the reigning champions Füchse Berlin, who are in need of a win as they take on Kiel.
Berlin are currently sitting fourth on 16 points, two points behind Kiel in third place. A win would keep Berlin in the title race, while a loss could mean they fall as much as six points behind the top spot.
Both teams are coming off European games during the week. Just two days ago, Berlin beat Lisbon in a 37–38 thriller where Gidsel scored an incredible 13 goals. Kiel had a much easier journey as they comfortably dismantled Bern 27–35 in their Tuesday Europa League game.
Having been able to rest key players during the week — and getting two more days to prepare for the match — could prove key as Kiel try to upset Berlin and Gidsel away from home. The game starts at 18:00.
But the night doesn’t end there for handball fans, because right after the Berlin–Kiel clash, Flensburg welcome Magdeburg in an early-season final. Flensburg currently hold the top spot with twenty points, but just a point behind — and with a game in hand — sit Magdeburg.
Flensburg had a shaky start to their season with two draws, but since then they have been outstanding, winning every single game. Magdeburg have been just as good, with a draw against Erlangen as their only slip this season.
Both teams have shown that there isn’t much room to drop points at the top, which is why tonight’s match could be a crucial one. Just like in the other match, both teams were in European action during the week.
Magdeburg won comfortably, 27–22, in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Zagreb, while Flensburg played on Tuesday and won 26–33 against Turda.
An extra day’s rest is always nice, but it should give little to no advantage as Flensburg aim to keep the top spot against last year’s Champions League winners.