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The defending champions looking to make amends in yet another North German derby match after the Flensburg defeat last Saturday

Kiel had no solutions against the tough Flensburg's defense lead by Andersson (23 saves). They have home games with Hamburg and Wetzlar to do till the end the first part of the season, witth everybody expecting four points and nothing else

KS Vive Targi Kielce

Kiel ended their 20-game winning run last week as they met Flensburg away. The opponents were very smart about punishing Kiel for all the mistakes some of their previous opponents failed to take advantage of. The German champions won a lot of close games the past few weeks, but Flensburg are not the kind of a team that would not take advantage of it. After scoring at least 30 goals in the last 7 games, Kiel faced a better-quality defense that made their productivity problem obvious. Kiel were limited to of a total 22 goals (11 each half) and couldn't equalize after finishing the first half with a 4-goal deficit. They got one goal short at one point, but Flensburg took a 4-goal lead soon enough to cruise towards a win over their great rivals.

- Congratulations to Flensburg for a well-deserved win. I'm not impressed with my team's performances, there was clearly a lack of courage. Anderson (23 saves) basically won the game single-handedly. Palicka helped us stay in the game in the second half, but the last two weeks proved we are in decline. We need to get back on track soon - Gislason said, wishing Glandorf a speedy recovery (Achilies tendon rupture that will keep him off the court for the rest of the season).

- Flensburg took advantage of the home court, I have to say that the defeat hurts. But, we have a lot more games to do and a lot can still happen - Jicha, who finished with zero goals, said.

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Flensburg's win over Kiel got things in the championship very complicated again. Kiel and Lowen are top table with 32 points, Flensburg are back in the race completely (three points and one game short of the leaders). Kiel has two more games to do before the break - Hamburg and Wetzlar. The goal is clear as they want 4 points to stay top table.

Kiel struggled with Hamburg greatly early in the season, beating them 20-19 even though we need to say that their productivity problems were much greater back then. Kiel are now much better in offense, regardless of the last game with Flensburg and games with Hamburg are always great motivation for the team. This one will be particularly special for Duvnjak and Canellas.

- I'm still in touch with some of the former colleagues, but I am at Kiel now and I want to win before our fans - Duvnjak said.

- Two points are a priority, we'll do our best - Canellas said. 

Kiel's goal keeper Sjostrand is to move to Melsungen at season's end.

Hamburg were the favorite for winning the title for year, but the financial situation almost resulted in the dissolution of the club. They were allowed to play in Bundesliga in the end and now want to participate in European competitions. They opened the season quite well, but the poor performances the last few weeks saw them record three consecutive defeats, which got coach Gauding sacked. His assistant Hausler proved successful in a derby match with Hannover, which was his debut at the club. Hakburg took a 17-12 lead by half-time, Bitter recorded 16 saves, while Lindberg finished with 10 and Hens with 9 goals.

- I'm happy we got back at Hannover for that first defeat. The team responded in the best possible manner, it was a team win. We were active at every position and I'm happy, despite the fact we conceded 30 goals. We had an answer right after each of them - Hausler said.

Hamburg are thus in a bit better situation now and they still have good chance for qualifying for Europe. They will not give up today even though they know this is not the best of moments for meeting the defensing champions.

- We are definitely the underdog but if we play as we did against Hannover, we can shock them - Hens said.

- The team proved what they are capable of when feeling motivated last game. Emotions are always running high against Kiel and that can prove crucial in the end. We saw it in the first game and we want this one to be a bit more successful - Hausler said. He can't count on Schroder, Pfhal, Simicu and Djordjic today.