THW Kiel Stunned by RK Nexe Našice in EHF European League Quarter-Final First Leg
In a dramatic upset that has sent shockwaves through European handball, German powerhouse THW Kiel suffered a 30-33 defeat to RK Nexe Našice in the first leg of their EHF European League quarter-final on Tuesday. The loss, played in front of a sold-out crowd in Našice, Croatia, leaves the 14-time German champions in a precarious position as they head into the return leg next week in Kiel.
The match, part of the 2025/26 EHF European League season, saw RK Nexe Našice take control early, leading 16-13 at halftime and never relinquishing their advantage. The Croatian side’s victory marks one of the biggest upsets in recent European handball, as THW Kiel entered the match as heavy favorites following their dominant domestic form in the German Handball-Bundesliga.
“Here’s a wake-up call for us,” said THW Kiel coach Filip Jícha in post-match remarks published on the official EHF match report. “We underestimated our opponents and didn’t play with the necessary intensity. Now we have to win by at least four goals in the second leg to advance.”
The Match in Detail
The first leg, played at the Sports Hall Našice, saw RK Nexe Našice dominate early proceedings. The Croatian side took a commanding 16-13 lead into halftime, with their attack led by standout performances from left back Marko Mamić (8 goals) and right wing Ivan Vida (6 goals). THW Kiel struggled to find their rhythm, with their usual attacking prowess blunted by Nexe’s aggressive defense.
According to official EHF statistics, THW Kiel converted just 30 of their 52 shots (57.7% efficiency), while RK Nexe Našice shot at 63.5% (33/52). The German side also committed 14 turnovers, nearly double Nexe’s seven, which proved costly in transition play.
THW Kiel’s struggles were particularly evident in the first half, where they managed just 13 goals on 25 shots (52% efficiency). The team’s usually reliable pivot, Hendrik Pekeler, was held to just two goals, while their star left back, Miha Zarabec, was limited to three goals on eight attempts.
“We knew this would be a tough match, but we didn’t expect to be this ineffective,” said THW Kiel captain Domagoj Duvnjak. “Nexe played with incredible energy, and we didn’t respond well enough. Now we have to regroup quickly for the second leg.”
Key Moments That Decided the Match
The turning point of the match came midway through the second half, with RK Nexe Našice leading 24-21. A controversial refereeing decision awarded THW Kiel a penalty shot, which was saved by Nexe goalkeeper Matej Mandić. The save sparked a 4-0 run for the Croatian side, extending their lead to 28-21 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Mandić’s heroics in goal were a standout feature of the match. The 28-year-old goalkeeper made 12 saves, including two crucial penalty stops, and was named Man of the Match by the EHF. His performance was particularly impressive against THW Kiel’s usually clinical penalty takers, who had entered the match with an 85% conversion rate in the European League this season.
Another decisive factor was RK Nexe Našice’s ability to capitalize on THW Kiel’s defensive lapses. The Croatian side scored 10 fast-break goals, compared to just three for Kiel, exploiting gaps in the German defense whenever they overcommitted to attack.
What So for the Second Leg
With the second leg scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Sparkassen-Arena in Kiel, THW Kiel now face an uphill battle to advance to the EHF European League semi-finals. The German side must win by at least four goals to progress on aggregate, a task made even more daunting by RK Nexe Našice’s strong home record this season.
“We have to win by four goals, and that’s not going to be easy,” admitted Jícha. “But we’re THW Kiel, and we’ve been in tough situations before. We’ll prepare differently this time and arrive out with the right mentality.”
For RK Nexe Našice, the victory represents a historic achievement. The Croatian club, based in the small town of Našice (population: ~17,000), has never before reached the semi-finals of a major European handball competition. Their success this season has captivated fans across Croatia and elevated the profile of handball in the country.
“This is a dream come true for our club and our town,” said RK Nexe Našice president Ivan Horvat. “We’ve worked hard for this moment, and we’re not going to Kiel just to defend our lead. We want to make history.”
The Broader Context: European Handball’s Changing Landscape
THW Kiel’s defeat is the latest in a series of upsets that have characterized the 2025/26 EHF European League season. Traditional powerhouses like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Veszprém have all faced stiff competition from smaller clubs, reflecting a broader shift in European handball.
“The gap between the top teams and the rest is closing,” said EHF President Michael Wiederer in a recent interview with Handball Planet. “Clubs like Nexe are proving that with smart management, strong youth development, and tactical innovation, you can compete with the best.”
This season’s European League has also been marked by increased competitiveness due to changes in the competition format. The EHF reduced the number of teams in the group stage from 28 to 20, leading to a higher quality of matchups and fewer “easy” games for the traditional favorites.
For THW Kiel, the defeat represents a rare setback in what has otherwise been a dominant season. The team currently leads the German Handball-Bundesliga by eight points and remains in contention for the domestic double. However, their European ambitions now hang in the balance, with a potential early exit from the EHF European League looming if they fail to overturn the deficit in Kiel.
What to Watch in the Second Leg
The return leg in Kiel promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the European handball season. Here are the key factors to watch:
- THW Kiel’s Home Form: The German side has lost just once at the Sparkassen-Arena this season, a 30-28 defeat to SC Magdeburg in February. Their home record will be crucial in their quest to overturn the three-goal deficit.
- RK Nexe Našice’s Away Performance: While Nexe have been strong at home, their away form has been inconsistent. They lost their last two European away matches (to Barcelona and Montpellier) and will need to improve their defensive organization to contain Kiel’s attack.
- Tactical Adjustments: Both coaches will need to make key tactical decisions. For Kiel, this likely means a more aggressive defensive setup to force turnovers and create fast-break opportunities. For Nexe, the focus will be on maintaining their attacking efficiency while shoring up their defense.
- Set-Piece Efficiency: THW Kiel’s penalty conversion rate (85% in the European League this season) will be a critical factor. If they can improve their accuracy from the seven-meter line, they may be able to close the gap quickly.
- Crowd Impact: The Sparkassen-Arena is known for its electric atmosphere, and Kiel’s fans will play a significant role in motivating the team. However, Nexe’s traveling support has been growing, and their fans could provide a crucial boost.
Key Players to Watch
For THW Kiel:
- Domagoj Duvnjak (Captain, Center Back): The Croatian playmaker is the engine of Kiel’s attack. He will need to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- Miha Zarabec (Left Back): Kiel’s top scorer in the European League this season (78 goals), Zarabec’s ability to break down defenses will be crucial.
- Niklas Landin (Goalkeeper): The Danish goalkeeper, a two-time IHF World Player of the Year, will need to make key saves to keep Kiel in the game.
For RK Nexe Našice:
- Marko Mamić (Left Back): The Croatian international was the top scorer in the first leg with eight goals and will be Nexe’s primary attacking threat.
- Matej Mandić (Goalkeeper): Mandić’s heroics in the first leg, including two penalty saves, were instrumental in Nexe’s victory. He will need to repeat that performance in Kiel.
- Ivan Vida (Right Wing): Vida’s speed and accuracy from the wing provide Nexe with a constant attacking outlet. His ability to stretch Kiel’s defense will be key.
What Happens Next?
The second leg of the EHF European League quarter-final between THW Kiel and RK Nexe Našice will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 18:00 CET at the Sparkassen-Arena in Kiel, Germany. The match will be broadcast live on EHF TV and various national sports networks across Europe.
For THW Kiel, the pressure is on to overturn a three-goal deficit, while RK Nexe Našice will gaze to defend their lead and secure a historic semi-final berth. Regardless of the outcome, the match is set to be a thrilling conclusion to one of the most unexpected quarter-final ties in recent European handball history.
As the handball world turns its attention to Kiel next week, one thing is clear: the 2025/26 EHF European League season continues to deliver drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. Whether THW Kiel can stage a comeback or RK Nexe Našice can hold on to their lead, this quarter-final has already left an indelible mark on the competition.
What do you think? Can THW Kiel overturn the deficit in the second leg? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #EHFEuropeanLeague.