Füchse Berlin advance to the Champions League final and end Magdeburg's title defense

After the change of ends, the Füchse extended their lead. In the 33rd minute they led by four goals for the first time (23:19). Magdeburg, however, fought their way back: Matthias Musche put his team ahead 32:31 in the 47th minute, and shortly before that, Ómar Ingi Magnússon had converted a penalty throw for the celebrated 29:29 equalizer in the 44th minute. Playmaker Gisli Kristjánsson directed Magdeburg's attacks with strong vision.

Decisive phase

In the decisive phase, however, the Berlin side struck back. In the 55th minute they worked a three-goal lead again (36:33), before pulling ahead to 38:33 in the 57th minute. Three minutes from the end, the preliminary decision had been made. Even a clear chance through Magnus Saugstrup, who failed from a free position against Füchse goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev, could not initiate a turnaround.

For Füchse Berlin, who have never won the trophy, it is – after last year's final defeat – their second consecutive final appearance. Vorarlberg national team player Lukas Herburger is again chasing his first Champions League title. In the final on Sunday (6:00 p.m./Dyn/DAZN) they will face either the Danish club Aalborg Håndbold or FC Barcelona, the record winners in European club handball. German national player Juri Knorr plays for Aalborg.

Outlook for Sunday

For SC Magdeburg, after last year's European triumph – also against the Füchse – only the chance of the bronze medal remains. In the match for third place, Magdeburg will face the loser of the second semifinal between Denmark's Aalborg Håndbold and FC Barcelona. Although Magdeburg had recently won both Bundesliga encounters against Berlin, in the most important match of the season they suffered a clear defeat.

The Füchse had come into the Final Four on a run as German vice-champions and DHB Cup winners. With the semifinal victory over their arch-rivals, they underlined their ambition to win the most important European title in club handball for the first time. The outlook for Sunday's final in Cologne is open – the opponent will only be determined in the second semifinal.