THW Kiel Resumes Winning Ways in European League after Bundesliga Setback
Kiel, Germany – Two days after suffering a defeat in the German Bundesliga against HSG Wetzlar, record champions THW Kiel returned to winning ways in the European League.
Playing in front of 5,044 spectators at their home arena, the North Germans secured a commanding 32-22 (14:12) victory over FC Porto. Elias Ellefsen á Skipagøtu emerged as Kiel’s top scorer with six goals, while Leo Gunnarsson netted four for the visiting Portuguese side.
Kiel Relies on Defensive Brilliance
THW Kiel quickly found solace in their goalkeeper Tomas Mrkva, whose impressive saves compensated for the team’s initial offensive struggles. It wasn’t until a timeout called by coach Filip Jicha at 6:5 (15th minute) that the North Germans gained some composure. Patrick Wiencek’s goal at 11:6 (20th minute) extended Kiel’s lead to five.
Mrkva Dominates, Kiel Secures Victory
In the second half, Mrkva continued to assert his dominance on the court. By the final whistle, the 36-year-old had accumulated an astonishing 17 saves. Hendrik Pekeler’s goal at 23:15 in the 43rd minute effectively sealed the game against an outmatched Porto team.
Unrelenting Schedule Continues for Kiel
Despite their victory, Kiel’s relentless schedule continues unabated. On Thursday (19:00 CET/DAZN), they return to Bundesliga action with a match against HC Erlangen.
Analysis:
Kiel’s success in the European League stemmed from their defensive solidity, with Mrkva playing a pivotal role. The Czech international’s ability to shut down Porto’s offense allowed Kiel to build a comfortable lead.
Offensively, á Skipagøtu proved to be a consistent scoring threat, while Wiencek’s timely goals provided crucial momentum.
For Porto, the defeat highlighted their struggles against a more experienced and well-rounded Kiel side. Despite Gunnarsson’s efforts, they were unable to match Kiel’s intensity and cohesion.
Conclusion:
THW Kiel’s victory in the European League served as a timely morale boost after their Bundesliga setback. The team’s ability to bounce back quickly and regain their winning ways bodes well for their upcoming challenges. However, they will need to maintain their defensive focus and consistency as they navigate the demanding schedule that lies ahead.
