The SG BBM Bietigheim has missed the huge opportunity to secure the remaining class. After 23:29 against HC Erlangen, the Iker Romero team now has bad cards.
It would have a historical day in the handball story of the SG BBM Bietigheim can become. With a win against HC Erlangen, the team of coach Iker Romero would have been safe for the first time after a Bundesliga promotion. But after 23:29 (12:15) in the EGE-Trans-Arena, sold out with 4500 spectators, the SG BBM is very close to the abyss. “We are extremely disappointed, we didn’t get into this intoxication how we did it in the derbies against fresh and the TVB and against Flensburg,” said captain Paco Barthe.
The fight against relegation remains a thriller. Erlangen (16:50 points, minus 102 goals) only has one game on June 8th (all games at 3 p.m.) at HSG Wetzlar, which can no longer descend due to the goal difference. The SG BBM (15:49 points, minus 146 goals) will compete at SC DHfK Leipzig this Wednesday (7 p.m.) and has the problem of meeting SC Magdeburg on the last matchday, which should still have titles. The TVB Stuttgart (16:48 points, minus 139 goals) still has to tremble, but could definitely secure the class stay with a win on Thursday (7 p.m./EWS-Arena) near Göppingen at a Bietigheim defeat in Leipzig. On the last matchday, the TVB then receives SC DHfK Leipzig, for which it is only about table cosmetics.
“We’ll knock everything in again in the last two games,” promised SG captain Barthe, together with Nikola Vlahovic (both 4) best thrower of his team. What encourages? At 29:29 against Flensburg, the Bietigheimers succeeded in a huge surprise on May 29. Something like this has to be repeated if it is still a historical season.
Scorer
Sg bbm Barthe (4), Vlahovic (4), De La Peña (3), Fischer (2), Hermann (2), Perez (2), Wolf (2), Hadzimuhamedovic (1), Hejny (1), Nicolaus (1), Strosack (1).
HCE Kristjansson (7/3 seven meters), other breeds Överjuret (5), Bissel (4/1), Nissen (4), Scheerer (2), Steinert (2), Bezjak (1), Gömmel (1), Metzner (1), Wagner (1).
SG BBM Bietigheim’s Bundesliga Hopes Dwindle: A Handball Expert Weighs in
Time.news: The SG BBM Bietigheim’s dream of securing their Bundesliga status is hanging by a thread after a painful defeat against HC Erlangen. To understand the implications and what’s next for the team,we spoke with Alistair Humphrey,a seasoned handball analyst and former professional player,about the current situation and the team’s prospects.
Time.news: Alistair,thanks for joining us. The atmosphere must be tense in Bietigheim right now.What’s your initial reaction to the 23-29 loss to Erlangen?
Alistair Humphrey: It’s a crushing blow, no doubt. Winning that game would have virtually guaranteed their survival. The fact that it was a home game, in front of a sold-out crowd of 4500, makes it even tougher to swallow. The article highlights the team’s inability to replicate the intensity they displayed in previous high-stakes matches, and that’s a critical element. In handball, especially in relegation battles, mental fortitude is as critically important as skill.
time.news: The article mentions Captain Paco Barthe’s disappointment. He acknowledged the team didn’t reach the same competitive high as they did against Frisch Auf Göppingen and TVB Stuttgart. Why do you think that was the case?
Alistair Humphrey: There’s a difference between playing local rivals and playing with the pressure of absolute necessity. The derby games against Göppingen and Stuttgart are always emotionally charged, providing an extra layer of motivation. But when your Bundesliga survival hangs in the balance,the pressure can be paralyzing. It sounds like they struggled to channel that pressure positively. The lack of “intoxication,” as Barthe put it, hints at a team feeling burdened rather than inspired.
Time.news: The relegation battle seems incredibly tight, with Erlangen, Bietigheim, and TVB Stuttgart all in the mix. Can you break down the scenarios for our readers?
Alistair Humphrey: Certainly. Erlangen has the fewest games remaining, with just one left.Their goal difference provides a small cushion. Bietigheim has two games, but one of those is against SC Magdeburg, a team likely vying for titles, making it a significantly difficult hurdle.TVB Stuttgart’s fate is closely tied to Bietigheim’s performance.If Bietigheim loses to Leipzig,a win for Stuttgart against Göppingen essentially secures their spot. The final matchday sees Stuttgart against leipzig, wich, as the article states, might only be relevant for the final standings for Leipzig. Ultimately, Bundesliga survival comes down to winning crucial games.
Time.news: the article states that Bietigheim faces SC DHfK Leipzig next, followed by a match against SC Magdeburg. What are their chances, and what do they need to do to secure points?
Alistair Humphrey: Leipzig is their lifeline. They need to approach that game with absolute desperation and tactical discipline. They need to find a way to unlock the Leipzig defense, which involves rapid passing, creative set plays, and clinical finishing. The game against Magdeburg is a different beast altogether. With Magdeburg likely still fighting for a title, Bietigheim will need a minor miracle to get anything from that game. Their best bet is to focus all their energy on securing points against Leipzig and hope for favorable results elsewhere.
Time.news: The article mentions Barthe and Vlahovic as the top scorers for Bietigheim in the Erlangen match, with just four goals each. Is that enough firepower to stay up?
Alistair Humphrey: Absolutely not.Relying on just two players for the bulk of the scoring is unsustainable, especially in the competitive Bundesliga. For the SG BBM Bietigheim handball team to succeed, they need more contributions from across the board. Other players need to step up and relieve the pressure on Barthe and Vlahovic.
Time.news: Despite the grim outlook, Barthe promised they’d “knock everything in again” in the last two games. Is there reason for Bietigheim fans to be optimistic?
alistair humphrey: Hope always exists, and the surprise draw against Flensburg shows that Bietigheim is capable of pulling off upsets. However, hope alone won’t secure their Bundesliga status. They need improved defense, clinical finishing, and, most importantly, unwavering focus. They need to recapture that “intoxication” Barthe mentioned and play with the same passion and intensity they showed in the derbies. Handball strategy needs to be perfect. The pressure is immense, but if they can block out the noise and play their game with conviction, they still have a fighting chance.
Time.news: Alistair, any final thoughts for the SG BBM Bietigheim team and their supporters?
Alistair Humphrey: Believe. Believe in yourselves, believe in your teammates, and believe that you can overcome this challenge. Leave everything on the court, and let the results take care of themselves. For the supporters, keep backing your team.Your energy and passion can make a crucial difference in these final games.In German handball, anything is absolutely possible.
time.news: Alistair Humphrey, thank you for your insights. We’ll be watching closely to see how the relegation battle unfolds.
