Champions League-final became a crazy handball frenzy – but Mikkel Hansen got no lucky ending.
Barcelona beat Ålborg 31–30.
The final between Ålborg and Barcelona was naturally very much about Mikkel Hansen.
The 35-year-old handball legend has won the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships with Denmark. He has been named the world's best player three times. But despite several attempts, Hansen has never managed to win the Champions League.
Now it was meant to be that the tall Dane with his characteristic headband would get a chance – in the very last club match of his career. Hansen's Ålborg shocked their way to the final by beating the reigning champions in Magdeburg in yesterday's semi-final and in the final, Barcelona awaited. By the way, this was the club Hansen represented when he played his first Champions League final at the age of 21 in 2010.
It was Barcelona, with Jonathan Carlsbogård in the starting lineup, who started best before a packed and boiling final arena in Cologne. The blue-and-yellow national team player scored two early goals and ensured Barça had a three-goal lead.
But the Danes came back, largely thanks to Mikkel Hansen producing his best self just in time for the final dance.
Ålborg was level with 15–15 at half-time and the teams were closely matched from then on. When Hansen scored his seventh goal – on a penalty – it was 26–26 and there were less than 10 minutes left.
But shortly afterwards, it was Barcelona who, thanks to another Dane, took the initiative. Emil Nielsen made a couple of saves and Barcelona could move ahead to 30–27.
Ålborg fought heroically back and got a last attack on 12 seconds to level the match and take it to extra time.
It ended with Hansen getting a nearly impossible free throw opportunity in the last second. He made a decent attempt, got the ball over the bar but hit the post.
So close and so painful.
No Champions League title for Mikkel Hansen and after the Olympics in Paris this summer, it's all over.
For Jonathan Carlsbogård, who is in his second season with Barcelona, it was the career's first Champions League title. For Hampus Wanne, who came on as a substitute after half-time and scored a crucial goal at the end, it was the second time. Wanne also won with Flensburg-Handewitt ten years ago.
Barcelona has won the Champions League 11 times – including three of the last four years.
2023–24: Barcelona.
2022–23: Magdeburg.
2021–22: Barcelona.
2020–21: Barcelona.
2019–20: Kiel.
