HC Erlangen earns point against the champions in front of a great crowd

HC Erlangen managed to trip up the reigning German champions and cup winners from Mannheim in the battle for the league title on Whitsunday. Thanks to a fine all-round team performance and lots of passion, HC Erlangen drew 25:25 against its top-of-the-table opponents.

On the 32th matchday, HC Erlangen produced a home game that could hardly be beaten for excitement in front of 7,189 spectators. Erlangen was alert from the throw-off and it was clear to the fans that their team wanted to give its all to win in the penultimate home game of the season.

In the first half, the team of Head Coach Aðalsteinn Eyjólfsson was able to put its game plan into practice in what turned out to be the expected tough encounter against the league leaders. The HC held on to the ball responsibly in offense and built lengthy attacks, which were ultimately rewarded by goals. In defense, HC Erlangen managed almost completely to eliminate the dangerous axis of Schmied and Pekeler. Thanks to the home side’s stable 6:0 defense, the Lions were not able to score a single time from the crease. On top of that, goalkeeper Nikolas Katsigiannis made six saves to prevent Rhine-Neckar Lions from opening up a gap of more than two goals. Both teams went in at the break with the score 13:14.

The second half began as the first ended. HC resisted the German title-holders with all its might. Both sides traded blows: Whenever the Lions went in front, the HC pulled one back. The team of captain Michael Haaß fought for every ball in defense and even Nikolas Katsigiannis in goal pounced to smother a rebound outside the crease. After 40 minutes of play, Erlangen reaped the reward for its fighting spirit and went ahead for the first time thanks to a goal by Steinert. Despite the world-class goalie Mikael Appelgren, which even parried two seven-meter penalties in the final spell, HC Erlangen kept within striking distance. Co-captain Niko Link gave his side a two-goal lead for the first time in the 47th minute.

In crunch time, it was then Nikolas Katsigiannis who frustrated Mannheim, repeatedly keeping his team in the game and proving what a reliable mainstay he is by saving 36% of all shots on goal. Going into the game between the league leaders and the 13th placed club, no one would probably have thought it would be decided at a death. With the score standing at 24:25 and just two seconds left on the clock, young star Maximilian Lux summoned up all his courage and scored in the final second to tie the game at 25:25.

The draw was the reward for HC Erlangen’s uncompromising fighting spirit and the players celebrated it with their fans for minutes after the final buzzer.

The next top team awaits HC Erlangen this Thursday when it welcomes fourth-placed Magdeburg (throw-off: 7 p.m.).

Aðalsteinn Eyjólfsson commented: “I’m very satisfied with how my team played. With our sparse squad, it was even tougher today to survive against the reigning German champions. We accomplished that task today, also thanks to the fans, who got right behind us.”

The HC’s Managing Director René Selke added: “That was the best-possible advertisement for handball and shows we’re on the right track. A sensational game in front of a magnificent crowd.”