A very exciting final: Magdeburg FC misses another win in the Europa League

Very interesting ending
Magdeburg misses another win in the Europa League

May 29, 2022, 9:15 pm

In the last second of regulation time, Benfica Lisbon saved themselves in extra time in the Europa League final. Beaten by home fans, they then wrestled the Bundesliga handball leaders. The Magdeburgers have their next title chance in four days.

Magdeburg FC missed out on winning the European League again. The leaders of the German handball league lost the final after extra time with 38:40 (32:32, 14:15) against its host Benfica Lisbon. In a very exciting match in the capital of Portugal, Omar Inge Magnuson was Magdeburg’s top scorer with 11 goals. The most successful five-time German international Ole Rahmeel was Benfica, also scoring eleven goals.

In an exciting final stage, only Benfica managed to equalize 32:32 in the last second. Encouraged by their raucous fans, the Portuguese won the title in overtime. This is also due to the fact that Magdeburg repeatedly failed due to the outstanding Benfica goalkeeper Serge Hernandez, despite the best chances.

However, Magdeburg could crown an exceptional season on Thursday. In the Bundesliga match against relegation candidate Ballingen, a draw would be enough for coach Bennett Wegert’s team to secure their second German championship after 2001.

Driven by the public

The designated German heroes were in no mood to celebrate in Lisbon after the final whistle. The powerful Portuguese caused major problems for SCM over long periods. Only in the 38th minute Magdeburg advanced with two goals for the first time in the match. Benfica took the lead again in the 49th minute. A heated final stage developed, although Benfica’s strength waned as the match went on. But the Portuguese poised against the greater individual quality of SCM with sheer force of will.

After winning the semi-final against Croatian club Nexe, Magdeburg coach Wiegert confirmed that his options for a change could have been the key to victory. The club’s world champion also managed to alternate against Benfica. For example, when national player Lukas Mertens was weakening, Wiegert brought Matthias Moshe to the left wing. Moshi was already the top scorer in the semi-finals and also played well against the hosts after his inclusion.

Benfica had no such options to change across the board. But what the Portuguese got instead: the high support of their fans. While only a few fans traveled from Magdeburg, the vast majority in the hall cheered for the hosts. This is another reason why the match remained tight for so long in the second round. The closer Benfica got, the hotter the stadium became.

But Magdeburg remained calm. A few seconds before the final whistle, national player Philip Webber gave the lead. It all seemed like a Magdeburg success. Benfica only had three seconds on goal – and it was enough. The Portuguese managed to equalize with the last warning siren. In overtime also victory.