In the previous edition of the IHF Men’s Super Globe, SC Magdeburg were awarded a Wild Card due to their win in the EHF European League Men. And they duly delivered, taking advantage of the chance and sealing their first win in the competition with an outstanding display, crowned by a 33:28 win against Barça in the final.

Sure, Magdeburg were no unknown quantity, as they had proven themselves in the second-tier European competition, but they truly were unstoppable in the previous season, adding also a title in the German Bundesliga. The only mishap was their loss in the EHF Finals Men against SL Benfica, but overall, it was a season to remember for the German side.

As the reigning champions, Magdeburg return to the IHF Men’s Super Globe in Saudi Arabia with a target on their backs, as everybody will be aware of their potential of causing huge surprises. The start of the season has been close to perfect for the German side, who have won their first two matches in the EHF Champions League – 30:28 against Dinamo Bucuresti and 35:25 against HC PPD Zagreb – while also adding five wins in five matches in the Bundesliga.

The only blips on the radar were their 33:36 loss against THW Kiel in the German Supercup, the first match of the season, and a heavy 22:29 loss against PSG Handball in the EHF Champions League Men, which was their worst outing in a long time.

But will it be enough in the IHF Men’s Super Globe? The reigning champions surely have a pedigree in the competition, where they won seven games and lost only a single one in 2002, never finishing lower than second place in IHF Men’s Super Globe history.

Experience is a factor in a competition like the IHF Men’s Super Globe, where players need to recover quickly as the schedule is packed – and Magdeburg have plenty of that with stalwarts who have played for their national teams at the IHF Men’s World Championship and the EHF EURO.

Right back Omar Ingi Magnusson was named the MVP and the top scorer of the Bundesliga last season and was also the top scorer of the EHF EURO 2022 with 59 goals, underlining the immense talent Magdeburg have on their hands.  But it looks like he will miss the Super Globe for personal reasons. His return is unknown. Fellow right back Kay Smits is also one of the top young players in Europe right now, as Magdeburg have a strong mix of youth and experience on their hands, being one of the favourites to win the Super Globe title again.

Key players: Philipp Weber (middle back), Kay Smits (right back), Magnus Saugstrup (line player), Tim Hornke (right wing)

Qualification for 2022 IHF Men’s Super Globe: Reigning champions

History in tournament: 2002: 2nd, 2021: 1st 

Group at 2022 IHF Men’s Super Globe: Group A (SC Magdeburg, Sydney Uni, Khaleej)