(Un)informed Handball Hour

Episode 329 - Barca are kings of Europe again, a slice of history, Nielsen's showdown with Gidsel

We're well used to Barcelona winning this title over the years but this one felt a little different. With the German sides favoured by most and Aalborg the hipster tip for the trophy, the Catalan club reminded us all what it takes to get through this weekend, surviving Saturday's semi-final slog before a masterclass in the final against Berlin. Emil Nielsen's early showdowns with Gidsel and Andersson set the tone and Barca never looked back. We break down the action and the players who made it happen, discuss the history made by the champions and wonder if Berlin's golden chance has passed them by.

Episode 328 - Men's FINAL4 preview, Knorr on his debut appearance and memories

The four contenders have arrived in Cologne, ready to clash in one of the most tightly contested FINAL4s in years. All four sides have a real say in the destination of the Champions League trophy this weekend and that's what makes these weekends truly special. We discuss the two semi-finals and figure out where the difference will be made, before making our predictions. We hear from Aalborg's German star Juri Knorr on his FINAL4 memories as a fan before he experiences it as a player for the first time. And we conclude with a dramatic reading, sharing the words of the man looking to atone for a slip last year.

Episode 327 - Metz on top with brilliant Bouktit, wacky wildcards, FINAL4 bonanza continues

Metz claimed their first Women's Champions League title with a pair of brilliant performances led by an unstoppable Sarah Bouktit. We look back at their weekend in Budapest, try to make sense of the World Championship wildcards and unpack the conclusion of the Bundesliga season. Our buildup to Cologne continues this week with our mystery interview on patreon.com/handballhour first, followed by a full preview of the Men's FINAL4.

Episode 326 - Women's EHF FINAL4 preview with Anne Mette Hansen and Aleksa Pavicevic

All eyes on Budapest this weekend as the Women's EHF FINAL4 rolls into town. Reigning champions Györ are favourites but must overcome a Brest team at the end of an era and with recent history at this stage on their side, while Metz will look to overcome their semi-final hoodoo against CSM Bucuresti, buoyed by returning to the sport's pinnacle event. Aleksa Pavicevic joins us to preview the party. Anne Mette Hansen is heading to her eighth consecutive Women's EHF FINAL4 this weekend, a remarkable record for one of the most reliable players in the sport. Since reaching Budapest for the first time in 2018 and winning the title with Györ, she hasn't missed women's handball's biggest party. Just days before returning, Hansen speaks to us from Bucharest about a rollercoaster first season with CSM, helping them to break a quarter-final curse, her standout memories from her FINAL4 history with Györ and Metz and what it takes to come through the weekend with the title in hand.

Episode 325 - Business time for the European Leagues and the European League

Crunchtime across Europe as major league titles are being won in France and Germany, while deciders await in Denmark, Hungary and Poland. We discuss PSG denying Nantes and big news at the top and bottom of Denmark's top flight, while Tim Dettmar joins us to look at the Bundesliga run in and the German-heavy EHF Finals in Hamburg this weekend.