SC Magdeburg secured their place in the EHF FINAL4 with a thrilling 28-27 victory over Veszprém HC, completing an astonishing comeback in the Champions League quarterfinals. Trailing 26-22 with minutes remaining, Magnus Saugstrup and his teammates capitalized on Veszprém’s late mistakes to turn the tide. Icelander Gisli Kristjansson delivered the decisive blow, scoring a buzzer-beating goal to send the 2022/23 champions back to Cologne. This marks Veszprém’s third consecutive year missing the FINAL4, a bitter blow for the Hungarian side.
The match was a true spectacle, with Felix Claar leading Magdeburg’s attack with seven goals, while Ludovic Fabregas topped Veszprém’s scoring. Nedim Remili, with six goals, was named Player of the Match despite Veszprém’s defeat. Magdeburg’s resilience shone through, especially after a challenging first leg where they lost key player Matthias Musche to a torn Achilles tendon early on. Despite the setback, they managed a draw in the first leg, setting the stage for their dramatic home win.
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Veszprém appeared in control late in the second leg, but nerves and errors cost them dearly. Magdeburg, known for their never-say-die spirit, seized the moment, showcasing why they are a force in European handball. The victory underscores their ability to overcome adversity, from injuries to deficits, and positions them as serious contenders in Cologne. For Veszprém, the loss adds to their recent FINAL4 frustrations, despite strong individual performances. As Magdeburg celebrates their hard-fought ticket to the FINAL4, the handball world eagerly awaits their next chapter in the prestigious tournament.
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