Borussia Düsseldorf Fall Short in Final, Reflect on Narrow Defeat and the Rise of a Stronger Saarbrücken

After the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4 held last weekend, Borussia Düsseldorf—the most decorated club in the competition’s history—remain on six Champions League titles and six Europe Cup of Champions trophies. In the final at Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken, they were defeated by 1. FC Saarbrücken TT in a repeat of last year’s clash.

Anton KÄLLBERG gave Borussia the perfect start with a dramatic sudden death win over Patrick FRANZISKA. However, Dang QIU fell in straight games to Truls MÖREGÅRDH, and later lost another tight five-set duel against Franziska—again decided by a sudden death point. Darko JORGIĆ prevailed over Timo BOLL, marking Boll’s final appearance in the Champions League.

On Saturday, Borussia had advanced to the final with a convincing win over KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki.

Coach Danny HEISTER reflected on the outcome:

“I think my team did everything they could, but it was not enough. There were some close matches, but in the end, Saarbrücken was stronger. They came out of the World Championships in great form. They now have three top players, all probably in the world’s top 20 or better. We had our chances, but didn’t convert. Still, the team gave everything.”

HEISTER also commented on individual performances:

“Dang wasn’t feeling great but still pushed to five sets and had match points. As for TIMO, I can only express my deepest respect for how he played against Darko. We’ll regroup and prepare for our next final in two weeks.”

KÄLLBERG was Borussia’s lone point scorer in the final and acknowledged the fine margins:

“It was full of ups and downs and sudden death finishes—extremely close. We’ve played so many times now, and it always comes down to the final point. Saarbrücken played at a very high level today. The way Darko beat Timo and the way Franziska played against Dang was impressive. They were simply the stronger team today. We’ll work to be better next time.”

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The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is the governing body of the sport of table tennis in Europe, and is the only authority recognized for this purpose by the International Table Tennis Federation. The ETTU deals with all matters relating to table tennis at a European level, including the development and promotion of the sport in the territories controlled by its 58 member associations, and the organization of continental table tennis competitions, including the European Championships.

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