The 2 teams squared off in the Men’s Champions League final last season. Now it was time again, but this time in the quarter-finals. Kielce won the first leg, 27–26, in dramatic fashion.
It was Kielce who got the hottest start to the game, leading 4–1 after 9 minutes of play. Considering the atmosphere and support from the home supporters, it was no wonder that the Kielce players played as if there was no tomorrow.
Andreas Wolff saved 2 penalties from Omar Ingi Magnusson and Kielce looked to be in control in their 5-1 defense. But then important defenseman Dylan Nahi got a red card after a hand to the face on Gisli Kristjansson and things changed, at least a bit.
Kielce still had great control of Magnusson, Kristjansson, and Felix Claar and in offense Alex Dujshebaev and Igor Karacic dominated. Still, the lead was only 14–13 at the break.
In the second half, it was all about Felix Claar for Magdeburg. The Swede scored 8 goals on 9 attempts and kept Magdeburg in the game. But Kielce kept fighting and the game came down to the wire.
Igor Karacic scored the goal that meant 27–26 to the home side with just about 1 minute left. But Magdeburg had a chance to equalize, however, they couldn’t get a shot off in time and Claar had to try for a last-minute shot, which was saved by Andreas Wolff.
A great game between two amazing teams and a completely open quarter-final ahead of the re-match in Germany in a week.