Handball: Kiel fights its way to the European League final

THW Kiel has reached the European League final, overcoming French opponent Montpellier HB in a tense 29:28 semifinal match. The victory avenges Kiel's defeat to Montpellier in the previous year's competition. The "Zebras," as Kiel is known, will face either SG Flensburg-Handewitt or MT Melsungen in the final on Sunday.

Kiel's win was hard-fought, with both teams showing initial respect and struggling to score. Montpellier missed several key opportunities, including six penalty throws. Kiel's Lukas Zerbe scored five goals, and goalkeeper Andreas Wolff was a consistent presence, making vital saves throughout the match. Despite a strong start by Montpellier in the second half, which saw them take a 20:18 lead, Kiel utilized an extra attacker to regain control and secure a 27:24 advantage.

In the final moments, with the score tied at 28:28, Eric Johansson scored the decisive goal, followed by two crucial saves from Wolff, sealing Kiel's place in the final. The match highlighted Montpellier's struggles with penalty throws as a significant factor in their defeat.

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The Kiel players celebrate a goal.