Episode 334: Champions League launches, Maciej Wojs on the Polish sides after opening day drama

The Club World Championship Begins on Thursday with a new format throwing the non-professional clubs right in the deep end with just one chance to take on the big boys.  Daniel Reid and Joey Williams, playing in goal for Sydney Uni and Los Angeles respectively, join to discuss how they're feeling on the eve of the tournament, how they've been preparing and what this means for handball in both nations with Olympic aspirations.

One of the most fascinating transfers of the summer was the move of Alex Dujshebaev to Gummersbach, after nine seasons at Kielce. The Spanish star and Champions League Winner has made a name for himself as a clutch player over the years and surprised many with his move to the Bundesliga at 33. He speaks to us about his decision-making process, getting used to Life in Germany, adapting to German handball and what excites him about his new club and league.

In our third show of the week, celebrating the start of the new EHF Champions League season, we're joined by Macedonian journalist Filip Mishov to discuss Vardar's return to the competition after four years away. How are the two-time champions shaping up under coach Ivan Cupic, is the club run better than it was at the height of their powers and what are their chances of progressing from an incredibly tight Group B. 

The Men's Champions League began last night with a first-look at the new 24-team format. We were treated to some thrilling matches, two of which featured Polish pair Plock and Kielce. Leading Polish commentator Maciej Wojs joins us to discuss what he saw on the opening day, Kielce's fortunate win at home and whether Plock are just one player away from being a FINAL4 contender.

The Bundesliga begins this week, with a pair of matches on Thursday night, and we're breaking tradition by bringing you our first dedicated podcast of the season before a ball is thrown. Two of our top German contributors, Björn Pazen and Tim Dettmar, join forces on the pod for the first time to discuss new-look Kiel, just how unstoppable Magdeburg are and whether Gummersbach are a dark-horse or just a horse.

Ahead of this weekend's German Super Cup between SC Magdeburg and Fuchse Berlin, we take a look at what has changed for both teams and consider whether it's the end of an era for one or both, which areas of the court might cause trouble and who looks in better shape ahead of the traditional season curtain-raiser.

In a thrilling conclusion to a brilliant week of beach handball, Argentina are women's world champions, while Germany sit atop the men's game. Ebiye Udo-Udoma is back with us to help us break down the conclusion of the championships, what lessons will be learned and gives us some breaking news about his return to the court with Lewis Howes' Los Angeles Team Handball. For the video breakdown early in our interview, watch it in full on patreon.com/handballhour for free.

Filip Jicha's time with THW Kiel came to an end this week. We reflect on this era which began with trophies galore and ended with their worst season in decades. Inevitable? Unfortunate? We discuss with Björn Pazen. Friday saw the draw for next season's EHF Champions League, which has a new format on the men's side. 24 teams and immediate jeopardy, what more do you want?

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.

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.