THW Kiel let a derby win slip from their grasp in the German Handball-Bundesliga and missed the chance to move top of the table on Saturday night. The newly assembled team, coached by new boss Börge Lund, drew 31-31 (18-14) with SG Flensburg-Handewitt in a fiercely contested Northern derby and remain second behind Flensburg.
With the final attack of the game, Julian Köster appeared to have scored the winning goal for Kiel. The referees then spent several minutes studying the video footage, but ultimately ruled out the goal after apparently spotting a stepping violation. Kiel's top goalscorer was Domen Makuc with nine goals. Danish world champion Simon Pytlick and Frenchman Aymeric Minne stood out for Flensburg with seven goals each.
It was the first time both teams dropped points after five straight wins. "That is a really harsh decision; things like that happen constantly during a game. It is good for us, but I totally understand Kiel's frustration", said Flensburg's Simon Pytlick on Dyn. "Very unlucky for us", said Kiel's Hendrik Pekeler of the final incident: "I don't see anything there that would require the referees to go to video review."'
Fans of the two clubs, accustomed to success, have endured a difficult spell of late, with both teams failing to secure a trophy last season. THW even missed out on a European spot and are now experiencing their first season without international competition in 33 years. As a result, club icon Filip Jicha was forced to step down as coach in the summer.
Successor Lund is tasked with taking the club back to the top after three years without a league title – and has assembled an exciting squad to do it. The two star signings, Köster and Makuc, also showed their class against Flensburg, making an impact with strong defensive performances and goals.
After an even opening, Kiel pulled five goals clear at one stage late in the first half (17-12). THW lived off that cushion for a long time, taking plenty of time off the clock during their attacks, and continued to rely on the outstanding Andreas Wolff in goal. In a thrilling finish, Flensburg restored parity during their final attack and then had luck on its side when the referees made their final decision.
