Stuttgart, Germany – Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the final of the 2025-26 German Handball DHB Cup with a hard-fought 35-32 victory over HSG Blomberg-Lippe on March 14th. The semifinal clash, held at the Porsche-Arena in Stuttgart, saw Dortmund overcome a determined Blomberg-Lippe side to reach the championship decider. This marks a significant achievement for Dortmund, who will now compete for the coveted DHB Cup trophy.
The win sets the stage for a compelling final against HSG Bensheim/Auerbach, who previously defeated Thüringer HC 36-34 to claim their spot in the final. The German Handball Association (DHB) Cup is a prestigious competition, and Dortmund’s progression demonstrates their strength and resilience within the league. The team will be looking to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare for the final showdown.
The match against Blomberg-Lippe was a closely contested affair from the outset. Dortmund initially gained momentum with goals from Theresa Albert Olsson and Alieke van Maurik, but Blomberg-Lippe quickly responded through Elín Magnúsdóttir and Maxi Mühlner. Kelly Vollebregt’s contributions helped Dortmund maintain a competitive edge, while a goal from Nieke Kühne briefly gave Blomberg-Lippe the lead at 12-11. Yet, Coralie Lassource and Liv Nestaker quickly regained the advantage for Dortmund, who entered halftime with a narrow 17-15 lead, aided by goalkeeper Sarah Wachter’s crucial saves.
Dortmund emerged from the break with renewed intensity, spearheaded by Lara Egeling’s powerful shots. Despite Blomberg-Lippe’s efforts, particularly from Farrelle Njinkeu, Dortmund’s experienced players effectively managed the pressure. A strategic goalkeeper change, bringing in Melinda Szikora, further bolstered Dortmund’s defense, leading to a series of quick attacks orchestrated by Polebrecht. This surge propelled Dortmund to a six-point lead, 30-24, effectively sealing their victory. A late push from Blomberg-Lippe, utilizing Ona Vegué’s 7-meter throws and Kühne’s efforts, proved insufficient to overturn Dortmund’s advantage.
Dortmund Coach Praises Team Performance
Following the match, Dortmund coach Henk Groener expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “I am just happy with the win,” Groener said in a statement. “There was a fierce battle throughout the game, but I am happy that we played well until the conclude. Lara Egeling in particular played an incredibly good shot. Although there is room for improvement in defense, I was satisfied with the attack.”
The victory underscores Dortmund’s growing prowess in the German handball scene. The team’s ability to overcome a challenging opponent in Blomberg-Lippe demonstrates their tactical flexibility and determination. The DHB Cup final promises to be a thrilling encounter against a strong Bensheim/Auerbach side, who similarly demonstrated their strength in their semifinal victory against Thüringer HC.
The upcoming final will be a test of Dortmund’s ability to perform under pressure and execute their game plan effectively. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Dortmund will be aiming to secure their first DHB Cup title in nearly three decades, having last won the competition in 1997, according to sportschau.de.
The final between Borussia Dortmund and HSG Bensheim/Auerbach is scheduled to take place on a date yet to be announced. Handball fans eagerly await this highly anticipated match, which will undoubtedly showcase the best of German women’s handball. The outcome will determine which team will be crowned champions of the 2025-26 DHB Cup.
What are your thoughts on Dortmund’s chances in the final? Share your predictions and comments below.
