For the ninth time in a row an all-European duel will decide the major IHF club competition. This time in the shape of Club World Championship, SC Magdeburg and Veszprem meet in Thursday’s final.
Barcelona and Veszprem were involved in a close call, including extra time in the first semi-final. Barca’s successful ex-coach led the Hungarian Giant to victory while the spanish most winning team will end in the bronze battle for the second year running.
Veszprem had the first shot with Rodrigo Corrales adding up super saves between the posts. Then Barcelona seemed to have it in the bag with the duo Dika Mem and Aleix Gomez constructing unsolvable problems in high speed for Veszprem´s defense. Fueled by Hugo Descat and Yahia Elderaa Veszprem´s sprint for the finish line made it 29–29. The difference was much more visible in the extra time, with Nedim Remili scoring repeatedly and Barcelona slightly out of pace.
Magdeburg produced a second half-comeback and denied Al-Ahly a surprising triumph. Instead, Bennet Wiegert´s team picked up the final spot, via two early time outs and increasing efficiency from Mattias Musche and Manuel Zehnder. The reigning champions dealt with the pressure, after two extra time finals Magdeburg is accustomed to tense medal games on the international arena.
The placement round also got going Tuesday, Khaleej Club defeated HB Taubate by 29–27 and Zamalek SC left no room for California Eagles in the long run, 41–23.
Barcelona–Veszprem KC 39–39 ET (29–29, 13–15)
SC Magdeburg–Al Ahly 28–24 (12–15)