“If we reach our best level, it will be difficult for GOG”

37-31 against Paris Saint-Germain, 22-21 at FC Barcelona, 27-26 against Wisla Plock – SCM’s results so far are impressive. And that’s how coach Bennet Wiegert wants it to stay when the match at GOG kicks off on Wednesday at 18:45 CET in Svendborg.

After the team had travelled back to Magdeburg from Hamburg on Sunday evening, there was at least some time to prepare for the dynamic Danish club, which has produced top handball players Mikkel Hansen, Mathias Gidsel, Lukas Jørgensen and Simon Pytlick in recent years. This year, the club was also strengthened with the exceptional Faroese player Óli Mittún, who has often amazed the handball world at the age of only 20.

“This is a young team with many talented players. They play fast-paced handball,” warned SCM pivot Oscar Bergendahl, who played for the Funen from 2018 to 2022. “But I think if we reach our best level, it will be difficult for GOG to beat us over 60 minutes.”

However, the results this year have been mixed so far for the team from Gudme. GOG lost 32-27 in Barcelona in the Champions League and 31-36 at home against Pick Szeged. Two weeks ago, the first victory on the European stage was achieved in Bitola at HC Eurofarm Pelister with a 31-28 victory. In the league, there is one win and one defeat from the last two games, with the team around coach Kasper Christensen winning 32-26 (17-9) in the Cup round of 16 at HØJ Elite – the new club of ex-Magdeburg player Michael Damgaard.

Meanwhile, it is no secret that experience has shown that Danish clubs do not get into shape in their league until a little later due to the playoff mode. In this respect, the Magdeburgers are warned of the champions of 2022 and 2023.

“A team is waiting for us that perhaps has the most talented squad in Europe. A team that always manages to train its own youngsters to become absolute stars and whose squad consists of up-and-coming Scandinavian talents and experienced players,” says Bennet Wiegert. “Accordingly, this task will be difficult. But we’re looking forward to it and are doing everything we can to stay unbeaten in the Champions League.”