Wednesday night in the Champions League offered everything that makes handball the greatest sport in the world: a penalty drama in Berlin, a high-octane goal fest in Aalborg, and a dominant masterclass by the reigning giants in Barcelona. As the dust settles, Füchse Berlin, Aalborg Håndbold, and Barça have officially secured their tickets to the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4.
It was a night where heroes were born and dreams were shattered. In Berlin, it took more than 60 minutes to separate the sides in a double-header that Mathias Gidsel described as “an absolutely amazing commercial for handball.” Meanwhile, in Denmark, Niklas Landin proved that class is permanent, while Barça reminded the rest of Europe why they are the most successful club in history.
Gidsel Decides the Thriller in Berlin
The biggest drama of the night unfolded at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. After Veszprém won the first leg by a single goal, the premise was simple: Berlin needed to win. The home side flew out of the blocks, leading 8-3, but the Hungarian giants refused to capitulate. Despite an injury to center back Luka Cindrić, Xavi Pascual’s men regrouped and set the stage for a heart-stopping finale.
Photo: Anze Malovrh / kolektiff
When Dejan Milosavljev saved a penalty in the 59th minute and Tobias Grøndahl scored to make it 31-29 for Berlin, the deal seemed sealed. However, Ahmed Hesham had other plans, leveling the aggregate score with just 40 seconds remaining.
The match proceeded to a penalty shoot-out—a lottery where nerves of steel decide everything. Milosavljev stepped up with two massive saves before the world’s best player, Mathias Gidsel, tucked away the decisive shot for a 35-33 finish. Berlin returns to Cologne for the second year in a row, while Veszprém faces the bitter reality of a fourth consecutive quarter-final exit.
Landin and backcourt trio sends Aalborg to the FINAL4
In Denmark, the crowd was treated to an offensive display of the highest caliber. Aalborg and Sporting CP played at a tempo that barely gave the spectators time to blink. Following a draw in Lisbon, the pressure was on Aalborg, and they responded with a mature performance despite Sporting breathing down their necks until the final buzzer.
Photo: Aalborg Håndbold
Sporting’s teenage sensation Francisco ”Kiko” Costa was at times unstoppable, firing in 13 goals, but Aalborg had an arsenal of their own. The young star trio of Thomas Arnoldsen, Mads Hoxer, and Juri Knorr carried the attack, while living legend Niklas Landin locked down the goal when it mattered most.
Landin made 12 saves in the first half alone, providing the stability the team needed when Sporting narrowed the gap to 37-36 with 20 seconds left. Aalborg held on and now have the chance to continue their streak: every time the club has reached the FINAL4, they have also reached the final.
Barça cruise to their 21st semi-final
While things were shaky in Germany and Denmark, it was quite the opposite in Catalonia. Barça carried a two-goal lead from France and showed no mercy to HBC Nantes on home soil. Despite a bright start by the visitors, where Thibaud Briet helped Nantes to an 8-6 lead, Barça quickly took control of the steering wheel.
Photo: Victor Salgado, FC Barcelona
With a rock-solid defense and a clinical Aleix Gómez (10 goals), Barça turned the second half into a victory parade. As the lead grew and Djordje Cikuša netted for 30-20 in the closing minutes, the ticket to Cologne was secured with a bang.
The match ended 31-21, marking Barça’s 14th appearance in the FINAL4 format. Carlos Ortega’s squad looks to be in terrifying form ahead of the summer showdown in the LANXESS Arena, where the draw on May 12 will determine who gets the honor of challenging the reigning titans.