Hildesheim is fighting for a miracle in the promotion duel against Oppenweiler!

Hildesheim is fighting for a miracle in the promotion duel against Oppenweiler!

Today, June 7th, 2025, there is a decisive second leg in handball on the program. Eintracht Hildesheim is challenging HC Oppenweiler/Backnang to turn things around in the promotion duel to the 2nd Handball Bundesliga. After the defeat in the first leg, where Hildesheim lost 26:35, the team under coach Daniel Deutsch is nine goals behind in a challenging starting position. The team sees their chances of actually achieving promotion as just five percent.

In the Hildesheimer Volksbank Arena, the support of the fans should be a decisive factor. Deutsch emphasizes the fighting spirit of his players and draws motivation from THW Kiel's successful comeback in the Champions League final. In order to be successful, the focus is on defense, especially on the talented player Elias Newel from Oppenweiler, who needs to be slowed down.

Situation at HC Oppenweiler/Backnang

HC Oppenweiler/Backnang secured their place in the final with their convincing game against HC Empor Rostock. With a 35:26 win in the MURRTAL-ARENA, in front of 1,400 spectators, the one-goal deficit from the first leg was made up. Oppenweiler is aware of the challenge and sees the nine goals that need to be averted as an advantageous margin.

The journey to Hildesheim was strategically planned by Oppenweiler: The team arrived on Friday and was accompanied by 200 to 250 fans, including 100 who traveled in two fully booked fan buses. The public viewing is also supported by sponsor Murr Elektronik, an initiative to increase support from supporters.

Important background information

Hildesheim has great ambitions, both in the past and present: with a traditional history in the second division and even in the Bundesliga, the team wanted to get promoted again this season after last year's loss in the final against HSG Konstanz. With only one defeat in 29 games this season, which was against eventual runners-up TV Emsdetten, the club has achieved a lot.

Both teams met two years ago in the promotion round to the second Bundesliga. There are also personal connections: Martin Schmiedt from HCOB previously played for Hildesheim, while Jakub Tonar from the Hildesheim side is the cousin of ex-HCOB player Jakub Strýc.

The second leg is scheduled for Whit Saturday at 4 p.m. and advance ticket sales for the home games have already begun. Hildesheim is willing to pull off a miracle, while Oppenweiler wants to ensure a tight defense to secure promotion at the first attempt.

In summary, the final for promotion to the second Bundesliga is an exciting duel in which both Hildesheim and Oppenweiler will bring their strengths and ambitions to the floor.