Berlin edged Sporting Lisbon 38-37 (20:19) and, as group leaders, remain firmly on course for a direct spot in the quarterfinals of Europe’s top competition.
Last season’s finalists conceded plenty of goals against the Portuguese powerhouse – the young Costa brothers Francisco (20 years old/12 goals) and Martim (23/9) scored a combined 21 times. Offensively, however, Berlin put in another top-class performance, led by World Handball Player Mathias Gidsel with 13 goals.
At the break, both sides had scored a combined 39 goals, and the visitors were only ahead by one. It remained open until the final whistle, as both teams traded goals back and forth.
As a result, the two teams were never separated by more than three goals in the second half. Despite Lasse Andersson being directly sent off, Füchse never got distracted, and two final goals by Gidsel sealed the deal for them.
Match Center: Sporting Lisbon vs. Füchse Berlin
In the Bundesliga, fourth-placed Berlin will host THW on "Super Saturday" when also league leaders SG Flensburg-Handewitt will be in action against second-placed SC Magdeburg.