Altenholz vs Lubeck-Schwartau

Lübeck-Schwartau seized control from the opening stages. The visitors' backcourt trio of Ole Hagedorn, Magnus Holpert and Rasmus Willette Houmöller consistently found gaps in the Altenholz defence, while playmaker Lukas Kingsley Emdorf orchestrated the attack with a string of first-half assists.

By the interval, Lübeck-Schwartau had built a seven-goal cushion at 18–11, leaving Altenholz with a mountain to climb in the second half. Ben Szilagyi kept the home side within reach from the seven-metre line, converting several penalties before the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Lübeck-Schwartau stretched the lead to double figures midway through the period. Altenholz briefly threatened a rally after the 42nd minute when Ole Schramm of Lübeck-Schwartau received a red card — having already been shown a two-minute suspension — leaving the visitors a man down. Szilagyi stepped up for a penalty but saw his effort saved, a miss that extinguished any hope of an Altenholz comeback.

Rasmus Ankermann scored for Altenholz after a steal in the 44th minute, but Lübeck-Schwartau's response was immediate, with Holpert and Houmöller trading goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The visitors added the final goal of the match in the 59th minute to make it 37–25.

The match was effectively decided before half-time — Lübeck-Schwartau's 18–11 lead reflected a gulf in class between the second-tier side and their third-tier opponents. Altenholz's best chance to shift momentum came after Schramm's 42nd-minute red card, but Szilagyi's missed penalty from the subsequent seven-metre award killed any prospect of a fightback. Lübeck-Schwartau conceded just four goals during the numerical disadvantage and extended their lead.

Rasmus Willette Houmöller (Lübeck-Schwartau) — The Danish backcourt player was the game's standout scorer. He found the net consistently from range and off the fast break, repeatedly assisted by Emdorf.

Lukas Kingsley Emdorf (Lübeck-Schwartau) — The creative hub of the VfL attack, the Danish playmaker provided multiple assists, notably setting up Houmöller for three second-half goals in quick succession after the 44th minute.

Ben Szilagyi (Altenholz) — Altenholz's primary attacking threat, Szilagyi was the home side's go-to option from the penalty spot and open play. His missed penalty at 42' was a decisive moment.

Magnus Holpert (Lübeck-Schwartau) — The German backcourt player chipped in with timely goals, including a seven-metre strike at 35' that extended the lead to 23–13.

Player of the match: Rasmus Willette Houmöller (VfL Lübeck-Schwartau)

The 37 goals Lübeck-Schwartau scored reflect an attack that fired efficiently throughout. Their 18 first-half goals at 59% of the final tally show consistent rather than explosive scoring — this was a methodical dismantling, not a purple patch. Altenholz's 25 goals, with 11 in the first half and 14 in the second, show they kept grinding but lacked the firepower to threaten a team from the division above. The 12-goal gap is the widest in recent meetings between these sides.

Lübeck-Schwartau advance to the second round of the DHB Pokal, where they will face a Bundesliga opponent — the five top-flight teams entering in round two are SC Magdeburg, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VfL Gummersbach, THW Kiel and MT Melsungen. The second-round draw had not been made at the time of writing.

For Altenholz, the cup run ends in the first round on their first DHB Pokal appearance in seven years. The 3. Liga side can take pride in competing, but the gap to the 2. Bundesliga was evident across 60 minutes.

Lübeck-Schwartau now turn their attention to the 2. Bundesliga season, which begins on the first weekend of September. Altenholz continue their 3. Liga Nord campaign.

A straightforward, professional cup performance from Lübeck-Schwartau, who exploited the class difference between the divisions without ever needing top gear. Altenholz were game but outmatched — the 37–25 scoreline accurately reflected the gap on the day. The VfL will need sharper finishing and defensive cohesion when they face Bundesliga opposition in round two.