Aalborg’s ambitions now loftier than ever

2021 has been one hell of a year so far for Aalborg. With remarkable signings and even more remarkable results on court, the Danish champions have become one of the standout stories in the handball world and they deserve it.

With a bolstered squad and self-confidence through the roof, where will this season’s adventure take them in the EHF Champions League Men?

Main facts

• Aalborg stunned the handball world with their run to the final of last season’s EHF Champions League
• one-goal victories over Porto and Flensburg sent them to Cologne, where they beat PSG in the semi-finals before a loss in the final to Barça
• they had previously stolen headlines with the signings of Aron Pálmarsson for this season and Mikkel Hansen next season
• the ambitious club has built a solid core of the team with the likes of Lukas Sandell, Henrik Møllgaard and Felix Claar leading the back court

Most important question: Can Aalborg replicate last season’s heroics?

Aalborg’s run to the final of last season’s EHF Champions League was nothing short of stunning. The Danish side won many plaudits as they battled through the knockout rounds, while also creating giddy excitement for the future as they announced the signings of Aron Pálmarsson for this season and Mikkel Hansen next season.

But the current crop of players wanted to make a name for themselves already and they did that by reaching the final. Now that Pálmarsson has arrived, alongside Jesper Nielsen, Martin Larsen and Kristian Bjørnsen, external expectations are higher but the players are not shying away from the challenge.

“Last season made us hungry for more. I have a huge motivation to get to the EHF FINAL4 in Cologne once again and show that it was not a coincidence that we made it this far. We want to win Champions League,” says club captain Rene Antonsen.

Under the spotlight: Aron Pálmarsson

Icelandic superstar Aron Pálmarsson has chosen to move to Aalborg for what could well be his peak playing years. At 31, the back court player has shone for club and country but often while managing injuries. He appears to have settled into his new club nicely at this early stage and it will be fascinating to see what role he takes within the team.

On paper, he should fit in beautifully with Aalborg’s back court players and be given a chance to use his array of passing and shooting weapons. Pálmarsson has a magic touch for stepping up and deciding games, which could be the final piece of the puzzle for Stefan Madsen’s team.

How they rate themselves

Buoyed by last season’s success, coach Stefan Madsen wants more and more.

“We want to follow up on the fantastic result from last season and show that we can be a permanent part of the best teams in Europe. We know that it will require even more of us to do it this season, because the moment of surprise is gone, and people know us now as a result of last season’s second place.

“We are not afraid to set high standards for ourselves, because we see ourselves as a part of this. We are proud to represent the club, city and Danish handball on the biggest stage, and we look forward to a new exciting season.”

Did you know?

Aalborg are not shy about recognising brilliance at a young age and it shows in their hall of fame. Sander Sagosen was inducted at the age of 21 and Magnus Saugstrup became the latest member of the club at 24. Interestingly, Saugstrup was the sixth player to be inducted but the first Dane, following four Norwegians and a Swede.

What the numbers say

Aalbord defied the numbers last season, so it feels wrong to make much of a reference to it here. Prior to last season’s campaign, their best result was elimination in the Last 16. This is early days in a whole new phase of history for the club.

Arrivals and departures

Arrivals: Aron Pálmarsson (Barça), Victor Kløve (youth team), Jesper Nielsen (Rhein-Neckar Löwen), Valdemar Hermansen (youth team), Martin Larsen (SC DHfK Leipzig), Kristian Bjørnsen (HSG Wetzlar)

Departures: Magnus Saugstrup (SC Magdeburg), Mark Strandgaard (retired), Mads Christiansen (Fredericia HK)

Past achievements

EHF Champions League
Participations (including 2021/22 season): 7
Finalists (1): 2020/21
Last 16 (2): 2013/14, 2019/20
Group Phase (3): 2010/11, 2014/15, 2017/18

Other

EHF Cup: Quarter-final 2003/04, Group Phase 2015/16
Challenge Cup: Round 4 2002/03

Danish league: 6 titles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019-21)
Danish cup: 1 title (2019)