Dare to Rise

After a series of short documentaries released during the Machineseeker EHF Champions League 2023/24 season, the series culminated with a full-length documentary, “Dare to Rise: Last shot” telling the story of the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4.

The four Machineseeker EHF Champions League 2023/24 semi-finalists — eventual title winners Barça, runners-up Aalborg, third-placed THW Kiel and fourth-ranked Magdeburg — each see their story told through the eyes of select individuals.

From Barça, Portuguese line player, Luis Frade, shares his experiences. From Aalborg, we follow then coach Stefan Madsen and none other than Mikkel Hansen, for whom the EHF FINAL4 brought the last club matches in an illustrious career. From Magdeburg, TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2023 MVP Gisli Kristjansson is the focus, while Kiel coach Filip Jicha leads the story for THW.

Hansen is the heart of the story. The TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2024 was Hansen’s last chance to win the one trophy that had eluded him throughout his legendary career.

And the final came down to a post-buzzer free throw by Hansen from the nine-metre line, which would have sent the match into overtime — but instead hit the crossbar, handing Barça the title.

“I have enjoyed playing handball. I have followed my heart, which is what I recommend anyone else to do. I have shown up to training with a lot of joy — the joy of playing with the ball — and I hope this has been reflected in my game,” says Hansen, speaking right after the match.

The documentary is a fitting conclusion to a memorable EHF Champions League season with all its thrills, emotions and unexpected twists and turns.