Rot-Weiss Köln’s men confirmed they would take first place from the regular season in Germany, ensuring they will take up a European spot for the 2021/22 season thanks to a 4-1 win over TSV Mannheim.

The result means they can no longer be overhauled and coach André Henning was delighted with the outcome.

“We secured the first EHL place, which was basically one of the primary goals for the main round the season. we are proud of that. After what was actually a good start, Mannheim broke away and took the lead. It wasn’t an easy game, we always had to bring up the tempo and that was then the key to victory.”

Nicolas Proske had given TSV a first half lead but Rot-Weiss got back level by half-time via Kai Aichinger. Mink van der Weerden put them in front for the first time from a corner and the game was made safe by Florian Pelzner and from Thies Ole Prinz late in the game.

They got the win despite the absence of Mats Grambusch who is still recovering from a slight Achilles tendon injury as they finished with 69 points.

On Sunday, Rot-Weiss drew with Mannheim 1-1, a result which was just enough for the latter club to finish second in Pool B, staying clear of fast-finishing Berliner HC.

Berlin beat Polo Hamburg 3-2 on the final day of the regular season with all four clubs going through to the quarter-finals.

In Pool A, Uhlenhorst Mülheim finished first with a 5-1 win over Grossflotbek and then drew with Harvestehuder THC 4-4 on Sunday, giving Thilo Stralkowski’s side a grand total of 55 points.

UHC Hamburg were second with HTHC in third and Der Club an der Alster completing the quarter-final list.