Füchse Berlin Win German Cup, Rout Bergischer HC 42–33 in Köln Final
Füchse Berlin claimed the German Cup (DHB-Pokal) on April 19, 2026, overpowering surprise finalists Bergischer HC 42–33 at the Lanxess Arena in Köln. The victory, fuelled by a relentless attack, gave Füchse Berlin their second cup title and underlined their status as the dominant club in domestic competition this season. The team converted offensive momentum into a commanding lead early and held it through a high-scoring second half.
Decisive first half sets tone for Füchse Berlin
Füchse Berlin took control before halftime and entered the dressing room with a 22–17 advantage that proved decisive. The hosts pressured Bergischer HC into mistakes and converted fast breaks, building a lead that the underdogs could not close. A 5–1 run late in the first half swung the match firmly in favor of the capital club and left Bergischer HC chasing from that point.
Gidsel and Andersson power the attack
Mathias Gidsel, the world-class playmaker, scored nine goals and orchestrated much of Füchse Berlin’s offense, while Lasse Andersson finished as the match’s top scorer with ten goals. The pair combined clinical finishing with sharp distribution, helping produce a total of 42 goals in what became the most goal-laden final in the competition’s history. The duo’s finishing and the collective depth of Berlin’s backcourt prevented any late resurgence by Bergischer HC.
Bergischer HC’s fairy-tale run ends in first final
Bergischer HC arrived in Köln having produced one of the weekend’s major shocks by defeating SC Magdeburg in a penalty shootout the day before. The team’s first-ever appearance in a DHB-Pokal final was a landmark for the club from Wuppertal and Solingen, and they matched Füchse Berlin early on to reach 5–5 in the opening stages. Nerves and Berlin’s sustained pressure, however, meant the underdogs could not sustain the challenge once the champions accelerated.
Tactical battle and key moments that decided the match
Bergischer HC coach Markus Pütz called timeouts to steady his side after conceding quick goals, but Füchse Berlin’s defensive adjustments and transitions produced decisive margins. Nils Lichtlein and Max Darj provided physicality and experience from the Berlin side, with Darj’s goal to make it 34–26 in the 47th minute stretching the cushion to eight. From that point forward Berlin managed the clock and shot selection, limiting Bergischer HC’s chances to mount a comeback.
Magdeburg falter in third-place game; wider implications for Champions League holders
Earlier in the schedule, reigning Champions League winners SC Magdeburg failed to claim third place, losing 31–35 to TBV Lemgo Lippe and leaving their coaching staff visibly concerned about form. Coach Bennet Wiegert acknowledged worries after the loss, noting defensive lapses and an inability to manage quick counterattacks. While Magdeburg remain a force domestically, their performance over the weekend raises questions about readiness for the Champions League Final Four in June.
Cup victory adds to a growing list of achievements for Füchse Berlin
The DHB-Pokal triumph is the latest trophy in a period of sustained success for Füchse Berlin, following their breakthrough domestic championship and a deep run in Europe in recent seasons. The cup win also carries a financial reward: the club receives €200,000 in prize money, an important boost for squad investment and club operations. For supporters who packed the Lanxess Arena—official attendance was 19,750—the victory confirmed the club’s ascent and offered a celebratory capstone to an intense weekend of handball.
Füchse Berlin’s emphatic performance in Köln on April 19, 2026, reasserts the club’s position at the top of German handball and hands Bergischer HC a memorable but ultimately incomplete fairy-tale. The match will be remembered for its scoring display, standout individual performances, and the clear statement from Berlin that they remain the benchmark in domestic competition this season.
