SUMMARY: CSM and Rapid complete double over Danish teams
In round 4 of the EHF Champions League Women group phase 2022/23, Romanian clubs CS Rapid Bucuresti and CSM Bucuresti defeated Danish opponents in their respective matches.
While CSM Bucuresti beat Odense Håndbold in group A in Match of the Week, SG BBM Bietigheim went top of the group after earning a two-goal victory over defending champions Vipers Kristiansand.
18:50
As our coverage comes to a close for round 4 on the live blog, we leave you with an overview of the results from the weekend's EHF Champions League Women matches.
After Vipers Kristiansand's loss to Bietigheim, no team has a perfect record in this season's competition, which illustrates just how tough it is to win against Europe's elite clubs. We will return next Saturday for round 5 of the EHF Champions League Women. Until then, good evening.
18:26
The match reviews for Györ's big win against Lokomotiva, CSM's Match of the Week triumph over Odense and Bietigheim's narrow victory against Vipers Kristiansand are also now online for you to read and enjoy.
The atmosphere in the arena today was really good. We had some supporters behind the goal, so it was very fun to hear them and play in this kind of atmosphere.
We are not the only ones who were on fire. The whole crowd in the arena was on fire. We had a great atmosphere. It was a hard match. Vipers were still in front, we had three or four weak periods, and then my team came back, which was a great move from my team. My girls still believe in their strength and that was the key for this win.
In front of us there was a team that fought a lot in an aggressive way, and I think we did a very good job in defence, so we forced Zagreb’s team to make mistakes, which made the difference. I am really satisfied with my team, because we were very focused from the first minute until the last, so we didn’t have any ups and downs.
17:39
FULL-TIME: Györi Audi ETO KC 32:16 HC Lokomotiva Zagreb
FULL-TIME: SG BBM Bietigheim 32:30 Vipers Kristiansand
FULL-TIME: Brest Bretagne Handball 31:26 DHK Banik Most
Györ have recorded a comprehensive home win against Lokomotiva Zagreb, Bietigheim have moved top of group A after defeating defending champions Vipers Kristiansand, while Brest Bretagne have handed Banik Most their fourth consecutive defeat in this season's competition. More reaction will follow from these games in due course.
17:34
MOTW FULL-TIME: Odense Håndbold 27:31 CSM Bucuresti
CSM Bucuresti celebrate a clear four-goal Match of the Week win against Odense in Denmark. For her 10 goals in the match and multiple assists, Cristina Neagu deservedly receives the award as Player of the Match.
17:24
"Davidsen, Davidsen, Davidsen" is what the CSM fans in the arena in Odense are shouting after the Norwegian goalkeeper makes easy work of stopping a nine-metre shot. CSM lead 28:23 with four minutes remaining.
17:22
An attacking foul call goes against Tonje Løseth after she made contact with Neagu, who was almost stationary. To make matters worse for Odense, Løseth receives a suspension for showing her dislike of the decision.
17:16
A golden fast break chance for Maren Aardahl ends with Marie Skurtveit Davidsen denying the Odense line player. It was an opportunity for Odense to reduce the deficit to one goal.
17:13
What does it feel like to stop a penalty from CSM's top scorer? Martina Thörn will probably tell you that it feels pretty good. Incidentally, this was the first shot that Thörn has faced in the match.
17:09
Reinhardt has lifted her save percentage of 25 per cent after a couple of good saves. After Reinhardt's most recent stop, Maren Aardahl received a suspension for catching Grace Zaadi Deuna in the face. CSM lead 24:21.
17:05
One important battle that CSM are winning is in goal: Marie Skurtveit Davidsen has made 10 saves from 26 shots faced, while Odense's Althea Reinhardt has stopped four shots from 22 faced.
I am proud of my team. We fight together, we hold each other's hands and that was really important. We needed this win. In attack we scored goals, which was really important for us.
16:57
As Odense begin their bid to overturn CSM's half-time lead, they will want to restrict Neagu's supply to the Romanian side's line players throughout the second half. Otherwise, the result is a goal for CSM...
16:54
A lot of what happens in the NFL is something that handball fans can take for granted – although this pass from Brest goalkeeper Cléopatre Darleux to set up a fast break goal for Coralie Lassource was perfect.
16:49
As per the EHFTV statistics, CSM Bucuresti's attack efficiency in the first half was 76 per cent. Whether or not they can keep it up may decide this match. Odense may have taken heart from the fact that they were extending CSM's attacks towards the end of the first half.
16:44
HALF-TIME: Györi Audi ETO KC 15:8 HC Lokomotiva Zagreb
HALF-TIME: SG BBM Bietigheim 16:17 Vipers Kristiansand
HALF-TIME: Brest Bretagne Handball 17:14 DHK Banik Most
We are also at the break in our three other matches that are ongoing. As you might expect Györ and Brest have leads over Lokomotiva Zagreb and Banik Most, respectively, but Vipers Kristiansand hold a slender one-goal advantage against Bietigheim.
16:41
MOTW: HALF-TIME: Odense Håndbold 13:16 CSM Bucuresti
After producing a strong performance in attack in the first half, led by Cristina Neagu, CSM Bucuresti have a three-goal lead in Match of the Week against Odense.
Odense trailed 6:0 after making a slow start, but they have worked hard to remain in the contest. Trine Pedersen slicing through CSM's defence just before the buzzer has given Odense some hope that they may be able to claim a point or more from this match.
16:30
Bo van Wetering converts a fast break opportunity to bring Odense to within two goals of CSM, 11:13, and it is Adrian Vasile's turn to call a timeout with half-time on the horizon.
16:27
As I believe was the case last season when CSM Bucuresti played in Denmark, there are more than a few Romanian supporters in the arena in Odense. They will be happy that their club leads 13:9 after 23 minutes in this Match of the Week.
16:22
Perhaps we spoke too soon – Cristina Neagu has missed her first shot of the afternoon.
If you prefer a positive viewpoint, Althea Reinhardt has saved her first shot of the match.
16:20
On CSM's last attack, Odense decided to mark Cristina Neagu individually. It made no difference to the outcome, as Ema Alivodic hammered home a shot from the six-metre line, but Odense have found their stride in attack and have cut the deficit to 11:7.
16:10
The bad news for Odense, aside from the fact that they already trail 6:0, is that Cristina Neagu has found her range.
16:08
Odense have not scored in the opening seven minutes, and Ulrik Kirkely has called a timeout. During the timeout, he has mentioned that he wants his side to play seven against six in attack.
16:02
On paper, CSM certainly have a deeper squad to choose from in comparison to Odense. We will see if this proves pivotal over the course of the next 58 minutes of handball.
15:55
Before the Match of the Week begins, you can check out the match review of FTC's win against Krim.
15:49
Of course, the Match of the Week between Odense and CSM Bucuresti is just one of four games coming up at 16:00 CEST. If you want to watch the top-of-the-table clash in group A between Bietigheim and Vipers Kristiansand, you can do so via the individual EHFTV link. As ever, geo-blocking may apply in your location.
MOTW WATCH: Odense Håndbold vs CSM Bucuresti
WATCH: Györi Audi ETO KC vs HC Lokomotiva Zagreb
WATCH: SG BBM Bietigheim vs Vipers Kristiansand
WATCH: Brest Bretagne Handball vs DHK Banik Most
15:45
We are now 15 minutes away from the Match of the Week between Odense and CSM Bucuresti.
Although both teams have scored 91 goals in group A, CSM have five players that have scored 10 goals or more this season – Cristina Neagu, Grace Zaadi Deuna, Crina Pintea, Malin Aune and Elizabeth Omoregie – to Odense’s three. Unfortunately for Odense, right back Dione Housheer, who has scored 10 goals in three appearances this season, is out with a finger injury.
With 14 goals in the Champions League this season, Mie Højlund enters this afternoon’s Match of the Week as Odense’s second top scorer. The Danish left back believes that her side will have to perform at their best to claim the two points against CSM Bucuresti.
“We look forward to meeting CSM Bucuresti on our home court. They are a strong team with world-class players such as Cristina Neagu and Crina Pintea. We know that we have to play at our very best to win this match, and we look forward to measuring ourselves against one of the best teams,” said Odense left back Mie Højlund.
15:43
FULL-TIME: Krim Mercator Ljubljana 30:32 FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria
In Slovenia, FTC have also recorded a two-goal win against Krim. Katrin Kljuber had a prolific afternoon on the court, scoring 12 goals from 17 shots – but as we reported earlier, Krim's Jovanka Radicevic made history with her 1,000th EHF Champions League goal.
15:39
FULL-TIME: CS Rapid Bucuresti 34:32 Team Esbjerg
After a dramatic final minute, Rapid Bucuresti have claimed a two-goal victory over Esbjerg.
Crucially, when the match was on the line, Marta Lopez scored from the right wing to give Rapid a one-goal advantage, 33:32. In what proved to be Esbjerg's final meaningful attack, the referees called a technical fault against Kaja Kamp Nielsen for stepping inside the area. With Lorena Ostase converting an easy chance after Esbjerg decided to resort to one-against-one defence, Rapid sealed a 34:32 win.
15:28
Jovanka Radicevic has made some significant EHF Champions League history in Slovenia this afternoon. It is worth noting that FTC's lead against Krim is down to 30:28.
15:26
Henny Reistad is on a surge and Esbjerg are level at 30:30 after the Norwegian back soars through the air to convert an in-flight opportunity. An exciting finish is on the cards now!
15:20
There are high fives for Rikke Poulsen after she stops Eliza Iulia Buceschi's penalty attempt. Esbjerg now trail by only one goal, 28:27, as they seek to complete an amazing comeback.
15:17
Esbjerg have reduced the deficit to two goals on a few occasions against Rapid Bucuresti – but FTC have stormed clear in the second half to lead 28:22 against Krim. Katrin Klujber has scored 11 goals from 13 shots for the Hungarian side.
15:13
A 3:0 run for Esbjerg is enough for Carlos Viver to put the timeout card in. Perhaps the Danish side have renewed belief that they can claim something from this match.
15:07
The home crowd are in good voice as Rapid Bucuresti remain in control of the match with a five-goal lead, 24:19, after 40 minutes. The tempo has seemingly fallen due to the number of suspensions in the second half.
14:55
Esbjerg's start to the second half is not one that Jesper Jensen would have wanted at half-time. After Henny Ella Reistad received a suspension for preventing a fast break opportunity for Rapid, the Romanian side have extended their advantage to seven goals, 21:14.
14:51
Anne Tolstrup Petersen's only shot of the first half produced arguably Esbjerg's best moment in front of goal.
14:45
HALF-TIME: Krim Mercator Ljubljana 15:15 FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria
It's level at the break between Krim and FTC in Slovenia. Krim created a 10:8 lead midway through the first half, but FTC have fought back to level the score after 30 minutes.
Daria Dmitrieva has received a red during the first half, so Krim will be without one of their key players for the remainder of the match.
14:41
HALF-TIME: CS Rapid Bucuresti 19:14 Team Esbjerg
After producing a strong finish to end the first half, Rapid Bucuresti hold a five-goal lead at half-time. A string of top saves from Ivana Kapitanovic in the final five minutes of the half enabled Rapid to capitalise at the other end of the court.
With Sorina Maria Grozav scoring her fifth goal seven seconds before the break, Rapid are clearly in a strong position to take the two points. For Esbjerg, who are without Nora Mørk this afternoon, they will need to improve their 53.8 per cent shooting efficiency in the second half.
14:31
A well-executed fast break from Esbjerg sees the Danish side level the score at 13:13. Henny Ella Reistad sprints down the court and feeds the ball to Kathrine Heindahl, who is able to score the equaliser.
14:23
Kristine Breistøl's shots from distance are providing Esbjerg's attack with a straightforward option when their attack either goes for a fast throw-off or simply needs to put a shot on goal. For Breistøl, though, her success rate so far has been 50 per cent – or three goals from six shots.
Dorina Korsós opened Rapid's account with a finish from the left wing, and she has continued to find the back of the net from the same position throughout the first half.
14:17
After a period where both teams were searching for their fluency in attack, the goals are now flowing between Rapid and Esbjerg. Rapid lead 9:5 after 15 minutes – though Esbjerg's error rate will concern Jesper Jensen.
Rapid left wing Dorina Korsós has scored five goals from five shots. She has been the one player for the hosts who has had no problem beating Esbjerg goalkeeper Rikke Poulsen, who has already made four saves from 13 shots.
14:02
We are under way in Romania – though with two minutes played, neither side has yet scored.
13:52
Here is a glimpse (or a bit more!) of the arena in Mioveni before the fans started arriving.
13:48
After playing their first home match of the EHF Champions League season in the Arena Stozice, Krim's match this afternoon comes from the Hala Tivoli, where they beat FTC in the first leg of their play-off tie last season.
Likewise, Rapid Bucuresti are hosting Esbjerg in Mioveni instead of Bucharest, where they played their first home game in group B.
13:41
The first of this afternoon's Romanian-Danish clashes might be the primary focus of our attention on the blog, but don't forget that you can watch Krim vs FTC via the link below on EHFTV.
WATCH: Krim Mercator Ljubljana vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria
WATCH: CS Rapid Bucuresti vs Team Esbjerg
13:34
When Krim face FTC in Slovenia at 14:00 CEST, the match is a repeat of a play-off tie from last season. On that occasion, Krim emerged victorious with a 55:52 victory on aggregate.
Perhaps more interestingly, Krim recorded a seven-goal win at home, 33:26, in the first leg. Krim goalkeeper Barbara Arenhart is hopeful that her side can replicate their performance from earlier in the year against FTC this afternoon.
"I think we need to have the same energy as we had in the match in March. Then, we need to keep fighting the whole match so that the two points stayed at home. I hope the fans are going to be our eighth player on the field. It is nice to have support and that will give us extra energy," said Krim goalkeeper Barbara Arenhart.
13:21
One of our first two matches of the afternoon also features a Danish side: Team Esbjerg. Esbjerg are set to face CS Rapid Bucuresti in group B at 14:00 CEST, and they will move above Rapid in the standings if they win in Romania.
Esbjerg right back Mette Tranborg believes that Rapid will benefit from playing at home in this encounter.
"I have never played them before, but I can see they have made some big results. That is why I reckon it is going to be a tough match, especially since they have an advantage of playing at home," said Mette Tranborg.
13:15
Good afternoon and welcome to Sunday's live blog coverage of round 4 of the EHF Champions League Women group phase 2022/23.
After Metz and Storhamar won on Saturday, we have two more matches in group B ahead of us this afternoon. But we have four matches in group A, including the Match of the Week between Odense and CSM Bucuresti.
While Odense and CSM Bucuresti have not met each other before in a European club competition, this is the Danish club’s 50th EHF Champions League game. In their previous 49 games in Europe’s premier competition, Odense have won 21 matches, drawn four and lost 24. Will Odense make it a milestone match to remember? We'll find out at 16:00 CEST!
19:53
As for Storhamar, this win throws them into the mid-table mix on four points and the way they dealt with the final stages will give them confidence before welcoming the powerhouse of Györ to town next weekend.
19:45
Kastamonu's painful losing streak extends to 18 matches and this has to be among the most painful of them all. An astonishing 14-goal performance from Azenaide Carlos really deserved more but it wasn't to be.
On the bright side, they have a home match against Zagreb next week, where another glorious chance to claim points presents itself.
19:29 - RESULT: Storhamar 31:28 Kastamonu
Drama right until the end. Guro Nestaker with a stroke of luck as her heavily deflected shot sneaks past the keeper to give Storhamar the lead with a minute left. Kastamonu turn the ball over and Maja Jakobsen seals the victory with a penalty. Joyous scenes for the vast majority of the Boligpartner Arena but dismay for Kastamonu, who looked set for their very first win in the EHF Champions League.
19:21
Susanne Amundsen draws Storhamar level with a no-angle shot into an empty net - the kind of thing you only do for fun in training. After a few moments of hectic play, the Norwegian side win possession back and snatch the lead, 29:28 with 3 minutes left to play.
19:15
Storhamar were never going to give this up easily. Anniken Obaidli hits a purple patch and drags her side back into the game and level for a moment. Kastamonu up 27:26 with 8 minutes remaining in this captivating clash.
19:04
If Kastamonu do finally score a victory in this competition today, Azenaide Carlos will go down in club folklore. Her 10th goal of the evening gives the visiting side a 21:17 lead and things are getting worrying for the home fans and players alike.
18:54
An evenly-matched start to the second half but Storhamar do appear to be playing with a lot more freedom and confidence in the back court. We'll see if they can keep it going but for now, it's 15:14 to Kastamonu.
18:36 - HALF-TIME: Storhamar 12:13 Kastamonu
Well, this was billed as a key match for both teams and it's living up to the billing so far. Azenaide Carlos is in inspired form at right back, firing in seven goals so far for the Turkish side. Tina Abdula leads the home team's scoring with four. It feels like there is a lot more to come from both sides here, but who will deliver?
18:32
Yaren Göker has come in and turned this match on its head. 6 saves from 8 shots has allowed the away side to come back and take a 12:10 lead as we edge toward half-time.
18:25
We've been stuck on 9:9 for a while as tensions rise in this first half. Kastamonu have done well to bring themselves back into contention and the next few minutes are crucial.
18:13
As predicted, Carlos is having a flyer for Kastamonu, scoring four goals already but she cannot do it all alone. Storhamar doing much the opposite, spreading the love in attack and opening up a 6:4 lead.
18:05
Dynamic Angolan right back Azenaide Carlos opens the scoring for Kastamonu and she looks in the mood for a big game today. Plenty of nervous energy in the venue as the two teams get a feel for each other - everyone understands this is a key match in the race for a play-off place. 1:1 after 5 minutes.
17:51
Storhamar right back Maja Jakobsen is the competition's fourth top scorer with 21 goals; Croatian international Katarina Jezic leads the way for Kastamonu with the same number of goals at an 80.8 per cent efficiency.
On Wednesday evening, Storhamar lost 30:35 to Vipers Kristiansand in the Norwegian league headline clash.
The Turkish side have displayed problems in defence so far. Only DHK Banik Most (129) have conceded more goals than Kastamonu (117), whose goalkeepers have made the fewest saves in the competition. Is today the day it all changes?
17:34
Next up on this Saturday in Europe's elite club competition is a battle at the bottom end of group B between Storhamar Handball Elite and Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK, meeting for the very first time.
Debutants Storhamar have celebrated victory only once this season when they beat Lokomotiva Zagreb in round 2, and they are hoping to record their second win and strengthen their claim for a top six place in the group.
Kastamonu have set the record for the longest losing run in the competition, 17 games, and must be feeling quite desperate for a positive result this evening.
17:25 - RESULT: Buducnost 28:36 Metz
Victory for Metz and it never really looked in doubt. Led by Bruna de Paula (9 goals), Chloé Valentini (7 goals) and Hatadou Sako (15 saves), the French side remain unbeaten and go clear at the top of Group B as they wait to see their main rivals in action tomorrow.
17:21
Metz have teased us long enough, they move through the gears and open up an eight-goal lead as we enter the final minutes.
17:13
It has been a heroic effort this afternoon from Milena Raicevic (10 goals) and Ivana Godec (7) but all in all, Buducnost cannot make a real dent in the Metz advantage.
The French side has not been at their best in the second half but still look fairly comfortable.
Buducnost coach Bojana Popovic has lost her cool, leading to a two-minute suspension and the end of any hope of a comeback.
17:05
Armelle Attingré is beginning to make some big stops in the Buducnost goal but her attack is not getting the job done at the other end and Metz still look comfortable. 29:23 to the away side as we pass the 45-minute mark.
16:52
Buducnost coming out strong at the start of the second half but Sako denies them an opportunity to cut the deficit. Metz have picked up where they left off in the first half, moving well in attack and taking their chances well to lead 24:17.
16:33 - HALF-TIME: Buducnost 16:21 Metz
We're being treated to a goal fest in Podgorica this afternoon.
Bruna de Paula is having a field day in attack with 7 goals, while Sako is just as impressive in goal for Metz, making 11 saves at 42 per cent.
Buducnost are still in this game, just, but they are leaking goals and they will need to do something drastic to plug the gaps in the second half.
16:24
Buducnost have responded well midway through this first half but they are finding it difficult to keep Metz's attack at bay. The vastly experienced Milena Raicevic has scored four already, keeping her team in the contest but they need to sort their defence out - 15:11 to Metz after 22 minutes.
16:15
In the battle of the keepers, Hatadou Sako is enjoying herself more so far with five saves to her name, while Armelle Attingré has only got on the end of two shots so far. Metz looking strong as they extend their lead to 10:6.
16:08
After a few simple turnovers in the opening exchanges, both sides have settled into their rhythm in attack. Bruna de Paula is straight into the mix with three of Metz's four goals and they lead by one after 8 minutes.
15:55
Just before the international break, Metz scored an impressive away win over Györ and it will be interesting to see if they can display the momentum and confidence that must have brought.
15:39
It has been refreshing to see Buducnost reemerge as contenders early this seasas but now they face arguably their toughest test to date against Metz. Here are some interesting facts before we get going.
- Metz are still unbeaten in this season's group phase, with two wins and one draw, while Buducnost lost against Team Esbjerg in round 2
- Metz are the top defensive team in group B after conceding the fewest goals (78) in the first three rounds
- Buducnost star Milena Raicevic is currently the second top scorer of the EHF Champions League with 25 goals scored at 59.5 per cent efficiency; Bruna de Paula is Metz's top scorer with 19 goals and is among the top five for assists in the competition
- while the first encounter between the teams two happened in 1990, since then they have met 14 times. Buducnost have celebrated victory 10 times, most recently in 2018, while Metz were victorious four times
- the Montenegrin side have the second-largest number of wins in the competition's history (154), while their opponents are on 82 wins
- Metz are currently top of the French domestic championship - though they have the same number of points as Brest Bretagne
Saturday 8 October - 15:20
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of round 4 in the EHF Champions League Women.
Just two matches on the agenda for Saturday, both in Group B, with implications on the top and bottom of the table.
We start with WHC Buducnost BEMAX (MNE) vs Metz Handball (FRA) on 16:00 CET, followed by Storhamar Handball Elite (NOR) vs Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK (TUR) at 18:00, both live on EHFTV.
