Füchse Berlin and Veszprém Renew Rivalry in Early Champions League Clash

Exactly 134 days after one of the most dramatic nights in European club handball, Füchse Berlin and One Veszprém HC are set to collide again. The two heavyweights will meet at Berlin's Max-Schmeling-Halle on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for a Round 2 clash in the newly expanded EHF Champions League Men group stage.[1][2]

Last season's quarter-final between the two clubs ended in a breathless 65:65 aggregate tie after 120 minutes of play across two legs in April and May 2026. The stalemate was finally broken in a penalty shootout, with Mathias Gidsel burying the decisive throw to send the German side to the EHF FINAL4 in Cologne.[2]

Both teams enter Wednesday's matchup riding high from dominant Round 1 performances on September 9 and 10. Füchse Berlin dismantled RK Partizan AdmiralBet 44:33 in Belgrade—their highest-ever score in the Champions League—fueled by nine goals from Gidsel.[1][3]

Veszprém matched that intensity at home, dispatching FC Porto 36:28. The Hungarian champions were anchored by new arrival Emil Nielsen, who recorded 14 saves in his debut after transferring from Barça, while Hugo Descat led the scoring with seven goals.[1]

The stakes are magnified by the Champions League's new 24-team format, which divides the field into six groups of four for the 2026/27 campaign. Only the top two teams from Group A will advance to the main round, making head-to-head points between group favorites crucial.[1][3]

Füchse head coach Nicolej Krickau emphasized the growing rivalry between the two squads. "This is almost a traditional rivalry now; we met four times last season," Krickau said. "We know each other very well and know how difficult it will be. It will be even more physically demanding than against Gummersbach."[2]

Veszprém, under head coach Xavi Pascual, spent the summer aggressively reloading their roster to clear the quarter-final hurdle. Alongside Nielsen, the club added Danish pivot Lukas Jörgensen and Hungarian winger Bence Imre, building a squad designed specifically for deep European runs.[4]

Krickau noted that Veszprém's tactical adjustments are already visible on tape. "Veszprém's shooting quality is superb and their defense has improved, especially in the central block," he added, pointing to the challenge awaiting Berlin's attack.[2]

Füchse will rely on their home crowd—the "Fuchsbau"—and the strong early-season form of their goalkeeping duo, Lasse Ludwig and Andreas Palicka. The team also carries momentum from a 33:28 domestic Bundesliga victory over VfL Gummersbach on September 13.[2]

With both teams likely to cross paths again at the upcoming IHF Club World Championship, Wednesday's winner will secure both vital group points and a significant psychological edge. "We've played Veszprém often lately, they were always heated duels and great fights," Krickau concluded. "It is all the more important to make a statement."[2]