Dessau-Roßlau secures relegation: dramatic 28:23 victory in Essen!

Dessau-Roßlau secures relegation: dramatic 28:23 victory in Essen!

An exciting handball game was inevitable in the replay between TuSEM Essen and Dessau-Roßlauer HV 06. Both teams met again on June 29, 2025, and the fans in the Am Hallo Arena were able to experience a thrilling duel with a capacity of 1,926 spectators. In the end, the DRHV clearly prevailed with 28:23 and thus secured relegation for the second time this season. The pressure was high for the Dessau team, because a loss would have meant relegation to the 3rd league, but that was well in the back of the team's mind.

The game started at a brisk pace. Although the guests from Dessau had to miss a few players, including several top performers, coach Uwe Jungandreas' team remained focused. They took the lead early and built a comfortable lead. The halftime score was 18:14 for Dessau. Above all, the strong defensive performance ensured that Essen found little space to build up the game. In the 45th minute, Dessau was already leading 25:17 and thus pushed the hosts further into the defensive.

The course of the game

In the first few minutes, Dessau's defense put the pressure on. The guests were already in a good position in the 11th minute thanks to a double save from keeper Plaue. An early comeback by the Essen team, who were missing nine regular players, repeatedly failed due to the well-organized defensive lines of the guests, who led by four goals in both the 18th and 24th minutes.

The exciting final phase of the game reached its climax in the 57th minute, when the score was 23:28 in favor of Dessau. Even in the final phase, Dessau demonstrated his strong nerves and didn't allow himself to be disturbed, even though Essen tried everything to get close again. A missed shot from Eißing in the 58th minute that hit the post was the hosts' last glimmer of hope.

The relevance of the game

After the ruling of the DHB Federal Court, which ordered the replay of the game between TuSEM Essen and Dessau-Roßlauer HV, the drama was particularly high. Many fans remembered the currently unclear situation in the league and some showed banners that were reminiscent of a quote from HBL managing director Frank Bohmann. The unrest surrounding the league events and the DRHV's request to increase the 2nd Bundesliga to 19 teams were buzzing in the press in advance.

The sporting achievements were the focus, but the problems off the field remain an issue. The difficulty for the team became particularly clear due to the missing players at TuSEM Essen, who returned after the U21 World Cup. Coach Daniel Haase admitted to having mixed feelings about the timing of the game but was very focused on the encounter.

Overall, the game was not only decisive for the table, but also a real spectacle for the fans. Relegation and relegation teams in the league remain in focus and developments this season will be followed with excitement. At least the replay provided clarity and brought important points for Dessau, who have now consolidated their place in the 2nd Handball Bundesliga.

You can find the complete reports at MDR, Handball World and Kicker read up.