In the handball Champions League semifinals, a German derby awaits: titleholders SC Magdeburg will face Füchse Berlin in the first game of the Final Four. The second semifinal pits Denmark’s Aalborg HB, featuring German international Juri Knorr, against Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona. The draw took place on Tuesday in Vienna.
The Final Four of Europe’s top club competition will be held in Cologne on June 13 and 14. Last year, Magdeburg defeated Berlin 32-26 in the final; now the two sides meet again in the semifinals.
“They’re all strong teams,” said Magdeburg captain Christian O’Sullivan, whose team is heading to Cologne for the fourth consecutive time. Berlin’s Spanish left winger Aitor Arino added, “It’s going to be a very tough game.” Berlin coach Nicolej Krickau noted that “the opponent in the semifinals isn’t really the decisive factor.”
“There are four teams that can win the title. Magdeburg and Barça have already won it, so they might be slight favorites,” he said. “But in the end, we have to beat the SCM if we want to win. We’ll prepare as best we can.”
Magdeburg reached the Final Four after a commanding victory over Szeged in the quarterfinal second leg, leaving Hungary’s top side with no chance.
Füchse Berlin secured their spot in the Final Four after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Veszprem in the quarterfinals.