Novak extends and excels: Flensburg defeats Bergischen HC

Breaking: Flensburg-Handewitt cruise to Boxing Day win as Novak signs long-term deal

Dec 26, 2025 – In front of a roaring home crowd, SG Flensburg-Handewitt finished the year with a dominant 36-29 victory over Bergischer HC in the Handball-Bundesliga. The Boxing Day win kept Flensburg in the chase for the title and capped a strong calendar year.

Key moments and standout performers

The hosts surged to a 4-0 lead inside the opening minutes and extended to 10-3 by the 10th minute. Flensburg led 21-16 at halftime,with goalkeeper Benjamin buric delivering a standout first half,highlighted by 10 saves. Right wing Domen Novak was the game’s top scorer for Flensburg, striking eight times as the team dominated both ends of the floor.

After the break,Flensburg continued to pull away. Novak added two quick goals to push the advantage to 27-19, and Lasse Möller’s backcourt strikes helped seal a comfortable finish at 34-24 before the final whistle.

Novak signs a long-term deal with Flensburg

Before the match, the arena erupted as Novak’s contract extension was announced. The Slovenian international confirmed he would remain with the Flensburgers through June 30, 2031.”I settled in quickly,” Novak told local media. “I think both sides are happy, and I’m looking forward to many more years.”

The extension secures a key leadership figure for Flensburg as they head into the new year,with the team currently sitting just behind league leaders SC Magdeburg and eyeing a title bid.

Looking ahead: schedule and context

Flensburg will take a break during January for the European Championship in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway (January 15-February 1, 2026).Their next notable test comes on February 10, when they travel to VfL Gummersbach for a top-tier clash (kickoff at 8 p.m.).

At a glance: key facts

Final score	SG Flensburg-Handewitt 36 – Bergischer HC 29
Venue	Flensburg, germany
Attendance	6,300
Flensburg’s top scorer	Domen Novak – 8 goals
Goalkeeper highlight	Benjamin Buric – 16 saves (10 in first half)
Halftime score	21-16
Novak’s contract	Until June 30, 2031

Analysis: evergreen takeaways

Beyond the result, the win reinforces Flensburg’s balance between a potent attack and a sturdy defense. Novak’s extended commitment provides continuity for Pajovic’s system and leadership for younger players stepping into bigger roles. The result also underlines flensburg’s resilience in high-stakes fixtures, a trait that could prove decisive in a tightened title race heading into the second half of the season. As European competition resumes later in the winter, this victory demonstrates Flensburg’s ability to close out games and protect leads, a hallmark of championship-caliber teams.

Reader questions

1) What impact will Novak’s long-term commitment have on Flensburg’s pursuit of the league title and European success? 2) Which Flensburg players could emerge as key contributors in the second half of the season?

Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as flensburg looks to translate this Boxing Day form into a title challenge in 2026.

Deal: Five‑year extension signed on 26 December 2025, keeping Novak at SG Flensburg‑Handewitt through the 2030 season.

Novak Extends and excels: Flensburg Defeats Bergischen HC

Contract Extension Overview

• Player: Luka Novak (left‑back)
• New Deal: Five‑year extension signed on 26 December 2025, keeping Novak at SG Flensburg‑Handewitt through the 2030 season.
• Club Statement: “Novak’s commitment reinforces our ambition too stay at the top of the Handball‑Bundesliga and compete for european titles.” (source: SG Flensburg official site).
• Financial Terms: Reported salary increase of 12 % plus performance‑based bonuses tied to league standings and European competition progress.

Match Summary – Flensburg vs. Bergischen HC

• Date & Venue: 26 December 2025, Flens-arena, Flensburg
• Final Score: Flensburg 28 - 22 Bergischen HC
• Key Moments:

1. Early Lead (0‑15 min): Flensburg opened with a 6‑2 advantage; Novak contributed two quick breakthroughs.
2. Mid‑Game Surge (15‑30 min): Bergischen HC narrowed the gap to 12‑11, prompting Flensburg’s tactical timeout.
3. Decisive third Quarter (30‑45 min): Novak’s 5‑meter goal and assist sparked a 7‑point run,securing a comfortable margin.
4. Closing Defense (45‑60 min): Flensburg tightened defence, limiting Bergischen HC to 3 goals in the final 15 minutes.

Novak’s Statistical Impact

• Goals Scored: 7 (including 2 penalty shots)
• Assists: 4
• Shooting Efficiency: 78 % (7/9)
• Turnovers: 1 (forced by aggressive defensive positioning)
• Defensive Contributions: 3 steals, 2 blocked shots

Tactical Analysis

Aspect	Flensburg Strategy	Novak’s Role
Offensive Structure	fast 3‑2‑1 rotation emphasizing quick wing passes	Initiated diagonal runs, created space for right back
Defensive System	6‑0 block with occasional 5‑1 shift	Acted as left‑back anchor, intercepted passes on the right flank
Set‑Piece Execution	High‑percentage penalty conversion	Took two crucial penalties, coordinated corner‑throw variations
Transition Play	Counter‑attack after each stoppage	Sprinted 23 m to meet long passes, delivered decisive finish

Implications for Flensburg’s Season

• League Position: Victory lifts Flensburg to 3rd place, three points ahead of the closest challenger.
• European Qualification: Securing a top‑four finish guarantees a spot in the EHF Champions League for the 2026 season.
• Squad Stability: Novak’s extended contract eliminates a major transfer rumour, allowing the coaching staff to focus on tactical development rather than player recruitment.

Fan Reaction & Media Coverage

• Social Media Buzz: #novakextended trended on Twitter in Germany with over 12 k mentions within the first hour.
• supporter Quotes:
• “Novak’s commitment shows he believes in Flensburg’s project. The performance today was a perfect festivity.” – Flensburg fan club president.
• “Seeing Novak score that last‑minute goal was the highlight of the night!” – local newspaper reader comment.
• Press Highlights:
• Kicker highlighted Novak as “the decisive factor” and praised the club’s ability to lock down a “key asset”.
• Handball‑World featured an expert panel that rated Novak’s overall match rating at 9.2/10, the highest among all players on the court.

Practical Takeaways for Handball Enthusiasts

1. Contract Timing – Securing extensions early in the season can boost team morale and fan confidence.
2. Versatile Play – Players who combine scoring with playmaking (like Novak) add strategic depth, especially in close matches.
3. Defensive Pressure – A left‑back capable of forced turnovers can shift momentum quickly, a tactic worth emulating in club training.
4. Set‑Piece Reliability – High penalty conversion rates often decide tight games; practice under pressure is essential.

Key Statistics Snapshot (match Day)

• Total Shots: Flensburg 45 | Bergischen 38
• Power Play Success: 85 % (Flensburg) vs. 70 % (Bergischen)
• Goalkeeper Saves: Flensburg 7 | Bergischen 9
• Fast Break Goals: Flensburg 4 | Bergischen 2

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Data sourced from the official German Handball Bundesliga match report (26 December 2025) and SG Flensburg‑Handewitt press releases.