Flensburg comeback

After one year break the top club competition of handball world is back in Flensburg-Handewitt. Two hours after the thrilling draw with Montpellier in Round 1 of the VELUX EHF Champions League the players of SG Flensburg-Handewitt could enjoy some good food and conversation in the Club100 lounge. At one moment Thomas Mogensen looked up to Arnor Atlason and said for all: "There he sits - the man of the match." The Icelandic newcomer smiled friendly but did not show any enthusiastic.

He scored three goals in the tight closing part of the game, but for the start of the VELUX EHF Champions League he would like to achieve more than a 37:37 draw. "After a good start we unfortunately produced too many mistakes," said the 28-year-old.

"My players run from the beginning like rabbits," pointed out coach Ljubomir Vranjes. He understood that his boys showed signs of fatigue, but all team mebers from SG were really happy to play again with the top of Europe. "The Champions League is always a special kick," admitted goalkeeper Mattias Andersson. "Since the preparation the previous summer we had been working for the qualification."

"It is nice to be able to compete with the best teams again. However of course we would like to underline with a victory that we are back," said right winger Lasse Svan Hansen.

Huge optimism was strongly present in the Campus hall before the opening throw-off. Fans lifted posters "This game is our" in the air - in German and French version and despite the "hell North" was not sold-out, the support from the stands was tremendous, especially in the crucial moments. "In the final period the hall was standing right behind us," line player Michael Knudsen praised the fans.

Meanwhile Ljubomir Vranjes wrestled with the tricky previous match schedule. His team had no match over 15 days prior to their return to the VELUX EHF Champions League. "My problem was that we had such a long break," said the coach. "Match and training are by intensity two pairs of shoes. So I'm finally satisfied that we have achieved a draw against one of the big favourites in the Champions League." The stars of Europe will continue to shine at the Baltic coast at least four more times this season.