Magdeburg triumphs despite difficulties: handball drama against Stuttgart!

Magdeburg triumphs despite difficulties: handball drama against Stuttgart!

The handball game between SC Magdeburg and TVB Stuttgart, which took place on September 14, 2025, offered the spectators an exciting duel. The game brought a few surprises, starting with the loss of Magnus Saugstrup, who was unable to play due to an elbow injury. Coach Bennet Wiegert instead lined up new signing Oscar Bergendahl alongside Elvar Örn Jonsson in the inside block, making it clear before the game that he had to dig deep into his bag of tricks.

The start for Magdeburg didn't go well. Despite a bad start, they were able to take a 5-2 lead in the eighth minute. In the 18th minute this lead was extended to 11:5. Despite a clear lead at half-time, the team had difficulties in the flow of the game and was not without mistakes. The Stuttgart team, who reduced the lead to 13:18 after the break, were slowed down primarily by the strong performance of Sergo Hernandez in the Magdeburg goal, who made a decisive contribution to the stability of his team with a total of 14 saves.

Final phase of the game

In the course of the second half, Magdeburg pulled ahead to 27:17 in the 46th minute, which gave them a comfortable ten-goal lead. But there were brief lapses in concentration among the SCM attackers, which enabled the Stuttgart team to catch up again. Nevertheless, Magdeburg's victory was never in serious danger, and in the end the team didn't have to worry too much that Stuttgart could turn the game around. The team slowly began to position itself for the challenges of the prospective squad and the coming seasons.

Restructuring in the team

The changes for the coming 2025/26 season are already in full swing. SC Magdeburg has a well-rehearsed team with ten players who have been with the club for more than two years. It is important that ten players are already contractually bound until 2027 or longer. However, there are uncertainties regarding departures and additions. Antonio Serradilla will move to TVB Stuttgart as he could not be offered a suitable role in the team.

On the other hand, Elvar Örn Jonsson is a safe newcomer from MT Melsungen, who Magdeburg wants to use in the inner block and in attack from summer 2025. Sebastian Barthold, who comes from Aalborg, will strengthen the wing positions together with Lukas Mertens. However, Matthias Musche will not be available at the start of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. In addition, Isak Persson and Michael Damgaard are leaving SC Magdeburg, while O'Sullivan is entering his tenth season with a contract extension. Such changes are not uncommon in the dynamic world of handball.

The psychology behind injuries

Especially in a sport as physically demanding as handball, psychosocial conditions cannot be ignored. According to a study on decision-making processes in sport, the complexity of injury-related decisions is becoming apparent. Athletes often tend to hide pain symptoms. An established support network for athletes and coaches could help to better overcome the challenges of dealing with injuries in the future. Communicating pain and injury is critical to competently managing expectations and promoting safe player health. This was also made clear by the findings from the study, which focuses on the treatment and prevention of sports injuries.

In summary, for SC Magdeburg it is not just about sporting success, but also about the right balance between team dynamics, injury management and strategic restructuring for the coming seasons. An exciting year awaits the Green-Reds, who will certainly keep a good hand in shaping the team further.