Chemie Leipzig: Handball heroes in the derby frenzy – rise full of emotions!

Chemie Leipzig: Handball heroes in the derby frenzy – rise full of emotions!

On June 5, 2025, BSG Chemie Leipzig can look forward to a successful return to the regional league. Promotion to the Leipzig Regional League not only brings with it more games in the Leipzig city area, but also numerous encounters with a derby character, not only against the rival team from Probstheida.

The BSG handball team is also very popular during this time. At away games they are often perceived as “chemists”, which leads to emotional but mostly peaceful encounters. The solidarity between chemical handball players has grown over decades and is proving to be strong. This becomes particularly clear at the traditional Christmas morning pint, where generations of chemical handball players come together - the oldest participant was a proud 95 years old.

Preparing for the derby

In football, the cup game is in the quarter-finals against FC Lok Leipzig. Janik Mäder, the 28-year-old captain of BSG, will lead the team into the race in this important derby. Mäder was optimistic about the training situation: Almost all of the previously ill players are now back, which further increases the anticipation for the upcoming game. It is a special duel in which anything is possible, especially since BSG Chemie can enjoy the home advantage and feel the support of their fans.

However, the team will have to do without top scorer Stanley Ratifo, who is traveling with the Mozambique national team. “We are ready and expect a hard-fought game,” explained Mäder, emphasizing that the team is capable of defeating Lok, similar to Babelsberg a week ago, who beat Lok 3-1. Despite the Lok team being favorites, Chemie remains confident.

The love of handball and football

Parallel to the football season, the chemical handball players are deepening their passion for the sport. They often use soccer games as part of their training warm-up program. Many players come from the west of Leipzig and have close connections to the region. The joy about the new, modern hall on Tarostraße, which is brighter and more spacious than the nostalgic old gymnasium near the racecourse, is another sign of the upswing in both sports.

There is also a strong desire to one day train and play handball in Leipzig-Leutzsch. Memories of an unforgettable game for promotion to the district league, where chemistry fans turned up in large numbers, show how much the community of chemists sticks together.

The upcoming games in both sports promise exciting encounters, and fans are already looking forward to the start of the season at the end of August. The hope for a big crowd is palpable and will certainly attract many chemistry supporters to the halls and stadiums.

For further information about the development of BSG Chemie Leipzig, read Chemie Leipzig and the game preview MDR.