The upcoming handball derby between THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt promises to be a highlight of the year, as the two titanic teams prepare for their highly anticipated 112th matchup in the Bundesliga on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 18:00 in the GP Joule Arena.
Viktor Szilagyi, managing director of THW Kiel, effectively captures the spirit of the event, stating, "It is undoubtedly the greatest game in German handball." Given the close league standings, this clash holds more weight than usual—Kiel currently occupies fourth place with 34 points, while Flensburg trails closely behind in fifth with only three points less.
This rivalry is deep-rooted, bringing with it a slew of high-stakes drama and passionate fan engagement. The previous encounter ended in a 33-37 defeat for Kiel, further intensifying their desire to reclaim bragging rights. The historical context underlines Kiel's overall dominance in derbies, having won 65 out of 111 matches to Flensburg's 41 victories and five draws.
Both teams will also face unique emotional narratives. For THW's Patrick Wiencek, who turns 36 on the day of the game, this derby marks his final appearance in front of the passionate Flensburg crowd. He reflected, "It's important to play as a team despite the emotions involved. We aim to limit mistakes and execute our strategy effectively to secure the victory we desperately want." A similar sentiment is echoed by Jim Gottfridsson of Flensburg, who will also bid farewell to his longstanding club following the season, seeing the derby as a last chance to make an impact.
With significant injuries plaguing both teams, coaches are strategizing how best to utilize available talent. Filip Jicha, THW's head coach, emphasized, "We must remain focused and calm, not allowing the derby to sway our gameplan. This match carries weight, but in our eyes, it's still just another game worth two points." Meanwhile, Ales Pajovic, Flensburg's interim coach since February, expressed optimism despite facing adversities, saying, "We are four points shy of a Champions League qualification spot. Everything is possible, and we aim for maximum performance on our home turf."
The venue, known for its electric atmosphere, will certainly provide a vibrant backdrop for both teams, capturing the essence of the competitive spirit between the two clubs. Fans should expect a fierce and spirited showdown full of drama and emotion.
The match will be broadcasted live on the streaming service DYN, starting at 17:30, and via the ARD Mediathek and sportschau.de beginning at 17:50, making this significant event accessible to fans everywhere.
As the date approaches, anticipation builds not just for the intense competition but also for the overarching narratives that accompany such a storied rivalry. Both sides will be looking to capitalize on this crucial opportunity to gain ground in the league standings while also etching memorable moments in the sport's annals. In the words of Szilagyi, the emotional intensity of a match like this is unmatched in handball, promising both teams and their supporters a gripping showdown on Saturday.
