THW Kiel Continues Winning Streak, Eyes Champions League Qualification
Handball-Rekordmeister THW Kiel extended their impressive form with a 28:24 victory over Frisch Auf Göppingen on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The win keeps the Schleswig-Holstein team on a ten-game unbeaten run across all competitions and strengthens their claim for a coveted spot in the Champions League.
A Hard-Fought Victory in “Hell South”
The match, played in Göppingen’s EWS-Arena – dubbed the “Hölle Süd” (Hell South) – proved to be a challenging encounter for the Kiel team. Despite a strong start, the “Zebras” struggled to maintain momentum against a determined Göppingen side. The home team, who hadn’t secured a win in nine games, presented a formidable defensive challenge.
Kiel initially raced to a 3:0 lead, fueled by early goals from Magnus Landin. However, Göppingen’s goalkeeper, Kristian Sæverås, proved difficult to overcome, contributing to a more closely contested first half which ended 12-10 in favor of Kiel.
Wolff’s Heroics and Tactical Adjustments
Kiel goalkeeper Andreas Wolff played a crucial role in the victory, making key saves early in the game and providing a solid defensive foundation. As the game progressed, Kiel faced increasing pressure, with Göppingen briefly taking the lead in the second half (18:17).
Coach Filip Jicha responded with a tactical shift, implementing an offensive 3:2:1 defensive formation with Domagoj Duvnjak at its core. This, combined with the introduction of young talent Ramus Ankermann, helped to regain control and ultimately secure the win.
Champions League Qualification Remains the Focus
The victory reduces the gap between Kiel and league leaders SC Magdeburg to four points, though Magdeburg still hold a strong position. Right-back Lukas Zerbe acknowledged the team’s performance wasn’t flawless, stating, “We didn’t convert our chances, that’s why it was close towards the end. But in two weeks, nobody will remember how we played here today – the main thing is that the two points come back to Kiel.”
The team’s focus remains firmly on securing a place in the Champions League. The win against Göppingen is a significant step towards achieving that goal, and the team now prepares for their European League match against Bidasoa Irun.
Key Stats from the Match
- Frisch Auf Göppingen: Jurmala Aström 5, Persson 5, Sunnefeldt 5, Schiller 3/3, Newel 2, Hofele 1, Neudeck 1, Pregler 1, ten Velde 1
- THW Kiel: Pekeler 6, Bilyk 4, M. Landin 4, Reinkind 4, Imre 3/2, Zerbe 3, Ankermann 2, Duvnjak 1, Johansson 1
- Attendance: 5,600
Did you grasp?
Magnus Landin announced his departure from THW Kiel to join his brother Niklas in Denmark after the current season.
FAQ
- What is the current status of THW Kiel’s season? THW Kiel is currently on a ten-game unbeaten run and is competing for a Champions League qualification spot.
- Who was the key player for THW Kiel in the match against Göppingen? Andreas Wolff’s goalkeeping performance and the team’s tactical adjustments were crucial to the victory.
- What is the significance of the “Hölle Süd”? It’s the nickname for Göppingen’s EWS-Arena, known for its challenging atmosphere for visiting teams.
Explore more handball news and analysis on the THW Kiel official website.
