Rhein- Neckar- Löwen vs. MT Melsungen
In the match between Rhein-Neckar Löwen and MT Melsungen on September 21, 2024, the hosts made a clear statement with their third win of the season at the SAP Arena. Despite a hard-fought start, the visitors gained momentum with a versatile attack and strong defensive play. The Löwen's simple errors in attack were swiftly punished, leaving them trailing 7:11 in the 17th minute. In past seasons, such situations often unsettled the Löwen, but this season they displayed resilience, rallying back through solid defense and fast breaks to narrow the gap to just one goal.
Twenty-two-year-old goalkeeper David Späth once again proved pivotal, helping the Löwen secure a three-goal lead by halftime. The team's offense found its rhythm in the second half, further extending their advantage. Juri Knorr orchestrated the attacks superbly, posing a threat himself, while the defense, backed up by David Späth, excelled. Despite Melsungen's efforts to recover, they struggled to capitalize, allowing the Löwen to frequently find Jannik Kohlbacher in pivotal positions. Kohlbacher ended the game as top scorer with 8 goals. Ivan Martinovic also shone against his former team, converting all his 7-meter shots with a perfect record. Melsungen's attempt with a 7-on-6 strategy failed to stage a comeback, sealing a commanding 31:26 victory for the Löwen.
Review by Laurin (Guestreviewer)
Photos by Fernanda