Füchse Berlin’s Champions League Dream Alive After Fredericia Triumph
The Füchse Berlin handball team kept their hopes of direct qualification for the Champions League quarterfinals alive with a commanding 36:29 home victory over Denmark’s Fredericia Handbold on Thursday evening.
With three games remaining in Group A, the Füchse currently sit in third place. Only the top two teams will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the others will enter the playoffs.
"As long as we have a chance to do it, we will try and it is realistic," said Danish world champion Lasse Andersson after the match. "We’re trying to do our job and then we’ll see if it’s enough or not."
The victory, their second in two games since the World Cup break, has injected a sense of confidence into the team.
For newcomer Leo Prantner, the evening held special significance. The Italian right-winger, who had been playing in the second division with Balingen until January, found himself in the starting lineup for Thursday’s Champions League clash.
"It was always a big dream for me and now it’s come true. It was a pleasure," said the 23-year-old South Tyrolean.
Prantner impressed as a penalty shooter, converting six goals in total. His strong performances at the World Championships earned him a contract with the Füchse in January.
"Everything has happened very, very quickly. I didn’t expect it myself," said Prantner.
The Füchse will be back in action on Sunday when they travel to face TBV Lemgo Lippe in the Bundesliga (4:30 p.m. CET/Dyn).
"We have to be improvising right now," said coach Jaron Siewert. Regarding the availability of injured circle players Max Darj and Lukas Herburger for Sunday’s match, Siewert said: "It’s going to be very, very tight."
Realistic Quarterfinal Chances
Despite sitting third in the group, the Füchse have a realistic chance of securing a top-two finish. Their remaining schedule includes winnable matches against GOG and Kielce, and a tight contest against Orlen Wisła Płock.
Andersson’s optimism is shared by teammate Paul Drux, who said, "We have a good chance to make it. We have a strong team and we’ve shown that we can compete with the best."
Prantner’s Meteoric Rise
Prantner’s rapid rise from Germany’s second division to the Champions League has been nothing short of remarkable. His performances at the World Championships have caught the attention of many, and he is now a key member of the Füchse squad.
"I’m still getting used to the level of play here, but I’m learning a lot from my teammates and coaches," said Prantner. "I’m just trying to do my best and help the team win."
Playoff Contingency Plan
While the Füchse are focused on securing direct qualification for the quarterfinals, they are also preparing for the possibility of having to go through the playoffs.
"We have to be ready for anything," said Siewert. "If we finish third, we’ll have to be at our best in the playoffs."
The Füchse have a strong history in the Champions League playoffs, having reached the quarterfinals in the past two seasons. They will be confident of their ability to navigate the playoffs once again if necessary.
Upcoming Challenges
The Füchse face a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with important matches in both the Champions League and Bundesliga. They will need to maintain their focus and intensity to achieve their goals.
The match against TBV Lemgo Lippe on Sunday will be a stern test, but the Füchse will be confident of their ability to secure a victory. With the playoffs looming, every win becomes more crucial.
The Füchse Berlin are on the cusp of something special. If they can continue their winning ways and finish in the top two of their Champions League group, they will have a genuine chance of challenging for the title.
