Hildesheim celebrates handball thriller and moves into the final!

Hildesheim celebrates handball thriller and moves into the final!

An exciting handball evening characterized events in Hildesheim when Eintracht met TV Gelnhausen in the second leg of the promotion round to the 2nd Bundesliga. On May 25, 2025, the Hildesheim team secured their place in the final against HC Oppenweiler/Backnang with a dramatic 34:30 win. After a narrow defeat in the first leg, the players around captain Lothar von Hermanni did everything they could to secure promotion.

In the first half, Hildesheim, which initially had some difficulties with the well-reacting saves from Gelnhausen's goalkeeper Daniel Drozdz, got off to a slow start. Gelnhausen led 4-2 after seven minutes. However, Jakub Tonar was a decisive factor in the game: with a total of 11 goals, he became the match winner. Hildesheim fought back and took the lead 15:14 at halftime. In the second half, the team managed to extend a three-goal lead for the first time and was comfortably ahead at 30:24 in the 51st minute.

The path to the final

Despite strong resistance from Gelnhausen, the Hildesheim team held their lead until the final minute. In the 60th minute the team was already on the winning road and had possession of the ball. Matteo Ehlers hit the crossbar, but Gelnhausen couldn't control the ball - a happy moment for Hildesheim. After the game, coach Daniel Deutsch praised his team's defensive performance as well as goalkeeper Jan Wesemann's crucial saves, which secured the team's victory.

Now we're already looking at the final, which will take place next Saturday against HC Oppenweiler/Backnang. Both Hildesheim and Oppenweiler/Backnang have a lot to lose, as promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga is at stake. However, Oppenweiler/Backnang suffered a 26:27 defeat in the first leg against TuS Vinnhorst, making the encounter against Hildesheim a particularly exciting duel. Marcel Lenz, the most successful scorer in the first leg with eight goals, will be called upon again, while Oppenweiler/Backnang will have to prepare for the return in the second leg.

Outlook for the next encounter

The anticipation for the second leg is great. Hildesheim still needs two players for final promotion, while Oppenweiler/Backnang is hoping for a turnaround in order to maintain their chance in the league. An exciting handball weekend is coming up that will captivate both fans and players. The tension is palpable and the ease of the game will be crucial to realizing the dream of promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga.

For more information about the 2nd Handball Bundesliga, visit Kicker.