By and by the names of the players coming got around; Flohr, Kraus, Saric, Rutenka, Toft Hansen, Ekberg, Grabarczyk, Buntic. Before the entrance of the players, club mascots took care of the atmosphere which was described as "amazing" by those who were present. When the players arrived at the Jack and Jones shop, fans gave them a warm welcome and the players were delighted to see so many people come out for them.

“We feel like ambassadors for the city of Cologne and handball," said Michael Kraus from HSV Hamburg. "It is fantastic how many people are here – we're in kind of a lean handball region”, agreed Matthias Flohr his HSV teammate. Asked about their chances for the tournament Flohr added with a grin. “At the beginning it is 0:0, then we will see.”

"It is a great atmosphere", Siarhei Rutenka from FC Barcelona stated who obviously enjoyed the event together with his colleague Daniel Saric.

For the handball fans present – widely travelled – it was the unique chance to meet their idols face to face. Supporters of THW Kiel were in the majority, but Kristina coming from Kiel favours HSV Handball – after she received a short Swedish lesson from Niklas Ekberg.

The player from THW Kiel confirmed his and his teams focus; “today is today, tomorrow is tomorrow. I am fully concentrated for the matches, but a fan event like this is the fun part of such a weekend!”

There was also something to win at the event – one, two, three or even four tickets to a VELUX EHF Champions League game next season.

When the players left after an hour, the mascots were still dancing through the crowd. Many passersby were excited to see the players and infected by the great atmosphere in and around the Jack and Jones shop.

Amanda (13) coming from Denmark is here for the third time already. “This year we do not have a personal favourite; we just want to see good handball. Nevertheless I think Barcelona will win it.”

More impressions can be found here.