THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt split 31:31 in the northern derby

The 117th northern derby between the Bundesliga handball players THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt did not find a winner after a dramatic end. At 31:31 (18:14), after minutes of video review, the referees refused to recognize Kiel's supposed winning goal at the last second, thereby causing disappointment for the record champions.

Both teams remain undefeated after the draw. Thanks to a better goal difference, Flensburg defended its lead in the table compared to THW, who had the same number of points (both 11:1). The best throwers of the game were Domen Makuc with nine goals for Kiel and Aymeric Minne and Simon Pytlick (7 each) for Flensburg.

The hosts could immediately rely on national goalkeeper Andreas Wolff. When the score was 2:4, the keeper was there for a fast counterattack by Pytlick and a free throw by Emil Jakobsen. Nevertheless, it was the Flensburg team who were able to take their first big lead. Minne scored in the 16th minute to make it 9:6.

Kiel dominates after the break

Driven loudly by their own fans, the Kiel team quickly came back. The defense was now more secure and Emil Madsen scored important goals in the attack. One minute before the break, the Zebras' lead was four goals for the first time at 17:13.

Even after the break, Kiel remained in control. The Slovenian Makuc in particular was the linchpin. Either the new signing from FC Barcelona put his teammates in the spotlight or he sought a successful conclusion himself. Despite being five goals behind at times, Flensburg didn't give up and put up a great derby fight.

With a 3-0 run, the SG came within 28:30 (55th). After Köster lost the ball, Marko Grgic equalized in the final minute to make it 31:31. A little later, Köster scored with the last action, but the goal was canceled. In the end, the guests celebrated a point.