Löwen celebrate clear home win against Kiel at the start of the season!

Löwen celebrate clear home win against Kiel at the start of the season!

On the first day of the Daikin Handball Bundesliga 2024/25, the Rhein-Neckar Löwen celebrated a brilliant start to the season. With an impressive 32:27 win over the record champions THW Kiel, the lions set a strong sign. Both teams fought a gripping duel right from the start, with the lions particularly characterized by their newcomers and a solid defensive performance.

The extraordinary start into the game was initiated after 45 seconds by a red card for Patrick Wiencek, who unintentionally met Ivan Martinović on the face. This early decision meant that the lions were able to act in majority right from the start. Jannik Kohlbacher achieved the first goal of the evening and thus set the point for the competitive player of the new season.

intensive game events

The match was characterized by a rapid and dynamic style of play that showed both the lions and the THW Kiel in full intensity. After only five minutes, the spectators already counted five goals - a phase that impressively reflected the quick wit and dynamics of both teams. At half -time, the teams separated with a draw of 14:14, which was not sufficient for the lions. The Kielers, led by goalkeeper Andi Wolff, who showed several parades, were able to maintain the pressure.

The second half of the season started for the lions with fresh vigor. The will to win the game was clearly noticeable. The players, especially Juri Knorr and David Späth, brought an incredible passion and teamwork to the field. The lions began to expand their leadership: after a remarkable parade from Späth, Kohlbacher set to 18:17, and just three minutes later a counterattack by Heymann led to 20:18.

excellent services and team spirit

The newcomers Ivan Martinović and Sebastian Heymann contributed significantly to the success - they scored 16 goals in total. David Späth showed impressive performances with 17 parades in the goal, which made the defense work all the more effective. The lions always stayed in the lead over 25:21, 26:23 and 30:27. The commitment and fighting spirit of the players paid off and let the fans cheer loudly in the Mannheim arena when the final siren sounded.

The overwhelming victory over the THW Kiel was celebrated by the almost 9,000 spectators, while hugs and a small defense dance followed on the field. Sebastian Heymann aptly expressed the feelings of the team: "It could hardly have gone better. Great backdrop, home win against the THW-Kiel, a great game in all positions from the start, great speed game, so it can go on."

The performance of the lions gives hope for an exciting season in which they strive for better stability and consistency. With the strong start, you not only have the first two points on your account, but also the trust that has developed in the team. The upcoming games will show whether the lions can hold their shape and continue to act so successfully in the league.