The VfL Gummersbach II handball team faces a critical match against HLZ Ahlener SG on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 20:00. This game holds significant implications for both teams as they battle against relegation in the 3rd Liga. After two challenging defeats against top teams Hildesheim and Emsdetten, Gummersbach sits at a precarious position in the standings, needing a victory to remain within reach of the survival zone.
Ahlener SG, currently ranking eleventh and four points ahead of the relegation zone, is also desperate for points. Their coach, Holger Krimphove, recently replaced Yasmin Yusif-Hügele in a bid to improve the team's fortunes. A win against Gummersbach could be pivotal in securing their place in the league. They have shown resilience with a recent surprising victory over TSG A-H Bielefeld but failed to continue the momentum with a loss to MT Melsungen II.
Gummersbach's challenge is compounded by injury woes. Patrick Kiesewalter will miss the match due to a jaw injury, while Malte Petersen (foot issues), Lukas Pacek (hand injury), Julius Hein, and Hannes Hartmann (both sick) are doubtful for participation. Head coach Jan Schwenzfeier emphasized the need for a strong performance, acknowledging the challenges presented by Ahlener SG's flexible defense: “Ahlen plays a flexible 6:0 defense, which they can become offensive in certain situations. We need to prepare for that.”
In addition to their struggles, Gummersbach finds itself seven points adrift of safety, with TV Bissendorf-Holte holding the crucial 13th position. With limited time left in the season, the stakes could not be higher. “We have to make sure we get back to our game and prepare properly,” added Schwenzfeier as his team focuses on regaining the confidence that seems to have waned following defeats against stronger opponents.
On the other hand, Ahlener SG’s season has been fraught with difficulties, leading to the change in coaching staff in January. They now look to survival while relying heavily on their star player, David Wiencek, who has already netted 119 goals this season. His presence has been crucial for the team, particularly in pressure situations.
Meanwhile, HC Gelpe/Strombach is gearing up for its own crucial match against the title favorites, Interaktiv.Handball Düsseldorf/Ratingen, on Saturday, March 22. The game will be held at 17:30. Gelpe/Strombach, currently fifth in the Regionalliga, boasts a two-point cushion over the team sitting tenth, ensuring their focus on securing a solid position to avoid relegation.
Coach Markus Murfuni is expecting a highly motivated opponent in Ratingen, who need just one point to celebrate their promotion to the 3rd Liga. “Such a situation can sometimes stand in the way of a team,” he noted, suggesting that while they respect their adversary, Gelpe/Strombach approach the match aiming to give their best performance. Their aim is clear: grab points away from home and apply pressure on their own league standing.
Aware of their previous encounter which ended in a tight 31:30 loss, Murfuni’s team will be striving to learn from that experience. They are set to face a strong Ratingen side, coherent in their attacking strategy and boasting effective goalkeepers Denis Karic and Sebastian Bliß. High hopes rest on whether Gelpe/Strombach can convert their lessons into effective play come Saturday.
On the same day, HBD Löwen Oberberg faces TB Wülfrath, also in a critical battle against relegation. However, the team is suffering from considerable injuries, with coach Maik Thiele facing a reality where several key players are missing, including Till Malek, Marcel Neese, and Nils Welke. The prospect of losing additional players, such as Olivier Goergen, who is questionable due to injury, only complicates matters further for the Lions.
Thiele recognizes the need for his team to rally and suggests that past injuries won’t define their fight for survival. He openly acknowledges the harsh reality of their situation: “If you only get ten points in 26 games, you don't deserve to stay up,” urging his team to fight for every point possible as they confront yet another formidable opponent in Wülfrath.
Lastly, as SSV Nümbrecht prepares to take on LTV Wuppertal, they stand at the cusp of promotion needing just two more wins to secure their place. Currently basking in confidence after a recent victory over HBD Löwen, coach Manuel Seinsche emphasizes maintaining focus and intensity. They approach their match against Wuppertal with the clear objective of showcasing their prowess, remembering a narrow win from their previous encounter.
Seinsche is cautious but optimistic: “We want to show that we belong at the top,” he stated, reinforcing the goal of presenting a strong performance to keep that promotion dream alive.
As these various handball teams vie for survival, promotion, and personal glory, the upcoming matches promise excitement, intensity, and critical outcomes that could redefine the league standings. Every point counts, and the pressure is palpable as the season races towards its conclusion.
