Defending champions THW Kiel meet HSV Hamburg in the semi-final

Defending champions THW Kiel will face German rivals, HSV Hamburg, in the semi-final of this year's VELUX EHF FINAL4.

The second semi-final will be between Vive Targi Kielce, who reached this stage for the first time in the club's history, and EHF Champions League record champions, FC Barcelona.

The draw, which took place at the German Sports & Olympic Museum in Cologne on Thursday, was conducted by Jürgen Roters, the Lord Mayor of Cologne, and EHF Secretary General, Michael Wiederer.

The first semi-final will take place on Saturday, 1 June, at 15.15 hrs. (local time). The second semi-final will throw off on the same day at 18:00 hrs. (local time).

The order of the two matches will be set after consulting TV partners in the days after the draw and the final playing schedule will be announced by the EHF upon the decision.

THW Kiel and FC Barcelona have both reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the third time in their respective history. These two teams are also the only two, who could lift the coveted trophy so far.

Kiel won the final in 2010 (against FC Barcelona) and 2012 (against Atletico Madrid, the former Ciudad Real), while FC Barcelona were victorious in 2011, also against Ciudad Real.

It is the second participation for HSV Hamburg after they had come third in the 2011 edition, while Polish national champions, Vive Targi Kielce, are the only debutants among the field of four.