After reigning champions Fuchse Berlin had set the pace with a 28-26 win over VfL Gummersbach on Thursday evening, the home side was under pressure to respond.
In a match that was evenly balanced at first, SG benefited from a red card shown to Melsungen’s key player Dainis Kristopans in the 25th minute after hitting Pytlick in the face.
Pytlick was back in action after taking a break, as he has been struggling with a strain since the European Championships, which meant that he wasn't able to perform at his usual standard.
Danish player Emil Jakobsen was leading goal scorer with nine goals, to help Flensburg to their fourth consecutive league victory.
To the Match Center: SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs. MT Melsungen
For national team captain Johannes Golla (5 goals), this was a special match. Next season, the 28-year-old will play for Mellsungen, the club where he made his Bundesliga debut ten years ago. Before the match, SG also announced the contract extension of Norwegian right wing Aksel Horgen until 2028.