The game was as intense "as an Olympic final", said Gidsel, exhausted after the match: "Incredibly intense, lots of tough duels, many two-minute stoppages, an incredible atmosphere. It was one of the toughest games ever."
In the battle for a place in the Final Four in Cologne (14/15 June), the Danish star ensemble from Aalborg HB now awaits Jan Siewert's team at the end of the month.
The brilliant Mathais Gidsel (12 goals) was again leading goalscorer for Berlin on Wednesday evening in the Max-Schmelling-Halle, with the recently named Best Handballer in the World scoring ten goals in the first half alone.
The Germans went into the match with a six-goal cushion, but Kielce maintained the excitement in the tie throughout the match and with six minutes left, they led by four goals (31-35). However, the home side held their nerve to book their ticket for the quarterfinal also thanks to a strong performance from German international Nils Lichtlein.
The Foxes had to cope with the absence of former German national team player Fabian Wiede, who injured his back in a defensive action, and Tim Freihöfer during the game. The left winger suffered an ankle injury and was also unable to continue playing in the first half.
Füchse Berlin's best result dates back to 2012, when they were eliminated in the semi-finals in their only Final Four appearance to date.
To the match centre: Füchse Berlin vs. Industria Kielce