Fchse Berlin shock SC Magdeburg to reach Champions League final

Füchse Berlin secured their first-ever EHF Champions League title on Saturday after a dramatic 32-28 victory over SC Magdeburg in Cologne, setting up a showdown with FC Barcelona in the final. The German side, playing in front of a partisan home crowd, overcame the defending champions in a tightly contested match that went down to the wire. Füchse’s triumph in the semi-final marks a historic milestone for the club, which had never previously reached the Champions League final.

The semi-final clash in Cologne was a battle of attrition, with Füchse’s defense proving decisive in the closing stages. The team, led by head coach Jaron Siewert, relied on a balanced attack and clinical finishing to edge out a resilient Magdeburg side. Füchse’s victory means they will face Barcelona in the final, a rematch of the 2024 final where the Catalan giants claimed the title. Barcelona’s path to the final included a dramatic extra-time win over Danish side Aalborg, described as “heroic” by Spanish media .

The final, scheduled to take place in Cologne on Monday, will be Füchse’s first opportunity to claim Europe’s most prestigious club handball trophy. The club, founded in 1891, has long been a powerhouse in German handball but had never previously reached the Champions League final. Their semi-final triumph over Magdeburg, the 2025 champions, underscores their growing stature in European handball. “This is a dream come true for everyone at the club,” said Siewert after the match. “We knew it would be tough, but the team showed incredible character.”

Barcelona, meanwhile, will be aiming to reclaim the title they lost two years ago. The Catalan side has dominated European handball in recent decades, but their path to the final was far from straightforward. Their victory over Aalborg in extra time was a testament to their resilience, with key players stepping up in the dying moments of the match .

The final on Monday promises to be a clash of styles: Barcelona’s possession-based, technical approach against Füchse’s physical, counter-attacking game. With both teams peaking at the right time, the match is expected to be a thrilling spectacle. For Füchse, the opportunity to lift the trophy in their home city would be the ultimate reward for years of perseverance. For Barcelona, it’s a chance to reaffirm their status as Europe’s handball royalty.