Facing the defending champions
What better way to start a European campaign than by facing the defending champions? Crowned last June with a second EHF Champions League title in three seasons, the German team have established themselves as a true powerhouse in world handball. In the last Final4, the Green and Reds beat Barcelona (30-31) before toppling their compatriots from Berlin (32-26).
Just as strong in the league
Magdeburg are also performing well in domestic action. Only one point prevented them from taking first place over Berlin in the last Bundesliga season. However, they seem to have taken their revenge. Last weekend, while Paris defeated Dunkerque (32-28), the European champions thrashed Berlin on their home turf (32-39), so there will be no lack of confidence on Wendesday evening.
A well-oiled machine
For several seasons now, Magdeburg's squad has remained virtually unchanged. In fact, the strength of this side lies above all in its team spirit. The statistics speak for themselves: the club's top scorer in European competition last season (Iceland's Omar Ingi Magnusson) scored just 107 goals, which put him in the top 10 - but 80 lengths behind competition top scorer Matias Gidsel. This proves that Magdeburg's goal threats come from everywhere. In their last league match against Berlin, eight of the 13 outfield players scored (with a special mention for Lasse Andersson and his nine goals).
ÓMAR INGI MAGNUSSON! Do we need to say more? Incredible! 👏😮#ehfcl @SCMagdeburg pic.twitter.com/Fsh8Eo3TET
— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) December 7, 2022
A familiar fixture
This is not the first time the two teams have faced each other in the Champions League. The first clash took place at the GETEC Arena in September 2022. Led by a Jannick Green who showed his former club no mercy with 11 saves, Les Rouge et Bleu returned to the capital with a valuable victory over the future champions (22-29). A few weeks later, Magdeburg managed to emulate the feat, defeating Paris at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin (33-37).
How to follow the match
This first European fixture of the season will be broadcast live on Eurosport, but you can also follow the match via our social media channels.
(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)