Hamburg build perfect base for the VELUX EHF FINAL4

After losing the German Cup semi-final after extra-time one week ago, HSV Hamburg took revenge against SG Flensburg-Handewitt in the VELUX EHF Champions League – and are highly close to their second participation at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne after 2011.

The team of coach Martin Schwalb won the first leg of the quarter-finals at Flensburg 32:26 (15:14) – and have their fate in their hands before the re-match next Sunday on home ground.

The back court trio Blaženko Lacković, Domagoj Duvnjak and Pascal Hens scored six goals each for the victors, like Petar Djordjić (next season playing for HSV) did for Flensburg.

Flensburg had the better start, leading 8:4 and 11:7, but then Hamburg improved in attack, but was still below until the 13:12. Thanks to a strong final period in the first half, Hamburg turned the match around, taking the first lead at 14:13, scored by Matthias Flohr.

Right after the break Flensburg took full control again, extending the gap to 21:17.

But then HSV coach Martin Schwalb showed his Midas touch, when taking his time-out. His players had understood, first scoring four goals to equalize at 21:21 – and despite a Flensburg time-out extending the series to incredible 10:1 until the score of 27:22. The base for the success was built, though the host tried everything to get closer again. But finally the six goals margin remained until the end.