Füchse Berlin fall to Barcelona again as Magdeburg take third in handball Champions League
FC Barcelona defeated Füchse Berlin 37:34 in the Champions League final in Cologne, extending their own record to 13 European titles. SC Magdeburg earlier bounced back from their semifinal loss to beat Aalborg HB 32:26 for third place.
Barcelona's record 13th title
FC Barcelona captured their 13th EHF Champions League trophy, pulling away from Füchse Berlin 37:34 (20:16) before a record crowd of 20,122 at Cologne's Lanxess Arena. Goalkeeper Emil Nielsen's early saves helped the Spaniards build a 14:9 lead, and although Berlin's Mathias Gidsel (8 goals) sparked a second-half rally, Barcelona's consistency in finishing kept the German side at arm's length. A red card for Ludovic Fabregas after a foul on Gidsel raised Berlin hopes briefly, but the Catalans held firm. The victory also served as a preview of future ties: captain Dika Mem, who will join Füchse Berlin from the 2027/28 season, collected another winner's medal.
Magdeburg claims third place
Defending champion SC Magdeburg salvaged third place with a dominant 32:26 win over Aalborg HB, led by German international Juri Knorr. Coach Bennet Wiegert, whose team had lost the semifinal to Berlin 40:35 the previous day, praised the response.
Lukas Mertens described the campaign, in which Magdeburg also won the Bundesliga title, as one of his best.I am really proud that the season ends with a victory. That feels good.
The semifinal turning point
Magdeburg's title defence unravelled in the semifinal when a Kempa trick, a staple of their season, was intercepted by Berlin's Gidsel.
Berlin promptly went on a 5:0 run and never looked back. Matthias Musche acknowledged the odds:For me, that is the key scene. The Kempa has often helped us this season, no blame for that.
Captain Christian O'Sullivan and six other players wore the Magdeburg shirt for the last time.Ninety per cent of the time such a Kempa is in; they defended it well.
Farewells in green
Füchse Berlin's final also marked the end of an era. Goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev is departing for Poland after seven seasons, and back-court player Lasse Andersson returns to his native Denmark after six years. Both featured in the spirited comeback attempt that narrowed the gap to two goals (30:32) late in the contest, before Barcelona sealed the win.
Final Four timeline
- Füchse Berlin defeats SC Magdeburg 40:35 in the semifinal.
- SC Magdeburg defeats Aalborg HB 32:26 to claim third place.
- FC Barcelona defeats Füchse Berlin 37:34 to win a record 13th Champions League title.
