A powerful defense and Niklas Landin between the goalposts led the way for Aalborg Handball, when the defending Danish champions on Wednesday evening won 26-22 in the first Danish Championship final against Skjern Handball in the men's domestic handball league, Herreligaen.
The home side were extremely organised in defense throughout the match, and although their attack never got into its usual stylish stride, individual class from profiles such as Sander Sagosen and Mads Hoxer was enough for Aalborg to secure the vital first win in the series.
In terms of attack, Skjern does not have the same range of profiles. Therefore, the visitors struggled to make an impact against the Aalborg-defense and made many mistakes, as Aalborg's defense managed to stifle the normally fluid Skjern attacking game.
As the game progressed, it became clear why Aalborg finished the regular season in first place, while Skjern barely managed to sneak into the playoffs in eighth place. It was men against boys.
Thanks to the comfortable win, Aalborg secured the vital first win in the Championship finals where the next final match is on Saturday in Skjern.
Aalborg only need a draw in the second game to secure the title again.