Earlier, Füchse Berlin had beaten league rivals TBV Lemgo Lippe 39-36 (20-16) in the first semifinal after an exciting second half.
To the Match Center: Bergischer HC vs. Magdeburg
The supposed dream final was spoiled by the determined and spirited performance of Berischer, led by penalty shootout hero Rudeck. In their second Final Four appearance, they will face German champions Fuchse Berlin on Sunday with the dream of a first cup victory still alive.
"Incredible, indescribable," said match-winner Rudeck on Dyn: "No idea how we’re supposed to sleep tonight, with all this adrenaline in our bodies. Tomorrow we have the chance to win a title with BHC, it’s unbelievable."
BHC earns their victory
After a strong first half, BHC kept up the pressure in the closing stages and earned the upset with a tremendous effort. Magdeburg only managed to force a penalty shootout in the final seconds of extra time, but then Rudeck made two saves, and Magdeburg’s Manuel Zehnder also missed. Rudeck had already shone earlier with four saved penalties.
Magdeburg, who had set their sights on winning the league, cup, and Champions League, have now missed out on the first of their three targeted titles. Their fourth cup triumph will have to wait.
Magdeburg misses the lucky punch.
Magdeburg, coached by Bennet Wiegert, searched in vain for gaps in BHC’s defensive wall on the special mobile glass court set up for the Final Four. "I want more movement, our issue is the offense," Wiegert said with the score at 5-7 (20th minute). Magdeburg took the lead for the first time shortly after (11-10/29th minute), but BHC stayed right with them.
"Absolutely amazing," said BHC player Johannes Wasielewski at halftime on Dyn. "We’re on a much better emotional level, we’re getting the crowd involved more than Magdeburg." Even after the break, Bergischer, cheered on by their fans, made life very difficult for the favorites.
When the scoreboard still showed them trailing 17-18 (50th minute), Wiegert called a timeout and urged his team: "Guys, we knew exactly what would happen here. That we’d be in this situation: us against everyone, and we’re fantastic at that," said the 44-year-old. "Use your heads, stay calm!"
After a turnover, Magdeburg had a chance for a last-second winner with their final attack, but failed to score.