Füchse Berlin Overpowers Aalborg in Champions League Quarterfinal

Füchse Berlin dominates Aalborg Handball 37-29 in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg, led by Mathias Gidsel's outstanding performance. Can Aalborg mount a comeback?

Füchse Berlin overcame Aalborg Handball 37-29 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with Mathias Gidsel playing a pivotal role in the second half. After Aalborg led 15-14 at halftime, Berlin intensified their pressure, and Gidsel's performance propelled the home team to a decisive victory.

Gidsel expressed his exhilaration after the match, stating, “I'm going to try to control my emotions a bit... I think I'd rather talk about how damn lucky I am to be allowed to play such an important handball match in such an arena against a good opponent. It's an absolute boyhood dream. I'm not going to sleep tonight from adrenaline.”

Aalborg started the match brightly, maintaining a lead throughout the first half against Füchse Berlin. However, the Danish team's energy waned in the second half, allowing the Germans to mount a strong comeback and ultimately secure a 37-29 victory. Mathias Gidsel, the outstanding World Handball of the Year, led Füchse Berlin to triumph in the first quarter-final match of the Champions League.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓

Füchse Berlin perform when it counts, taking the lead in the second half and powering to a clear victory. 👀

It’s yet another astonishing match from Mathias Gidsel with 11 goals and 9 assists! 🔥#ehfcl #clm #handball #MOTW pic.twitter.com/CvSibgFxi5

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) April 24, 2025

Aalborg faces a significant challenge to advance to the Final Four event in Cologne after suffering a substantial 37-29 defeat to Füchse Berlin. Coach Simon Dahl expressed disappointment, noting that despite a promising start where the team led by six goals in the first half, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

“We were not clinical enough. We did not profit enough from the first good 20 minutes. We conceded too many stupid and easy goals,” Dahl said. However, he remains optimistic, stating, “But nothing is decided. We are ready to attack the game in Aalborg next week.”