SUMMARY: Thrilling draw in MOTW; Metz win six in a row

• round 9 of the EHF Champions League Women 2023/24
• on Sunday: Ikast Handbold and FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria drew 28:28 in a thrilling MOTW in Denmark, with Andrea Lekic winning POTM; Metz recorded their sixth consecutive win by beating Vipers Kristiansand 31:29; CSM Bucuresti had an easy day vs Buducnost (44:26); Odense overcame a slow start to win 28:25 in Germany
• on Saturday: Györi continued their perfect journey after a 39:20 win against Sävehof; Esbjerg celebrated a 32:26 victory against Lubin; DVSC lost in France against Brest (38:28), while Krim got a last minute win at home (25:24)
• follow the official EHF Champions League socials on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook EHFCL
• all games are live on EHFTV (geo-restrictions may apply); group standings are available here
• all photos courtesy of the home teams

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

19:20

That's a wrap for the EHF Champions League Women round 9! We bring you our daily review so make sure to read all about it in case you missed some of the action.

The strongest European club competition is back already next weekend. Until then, take care, enjoy handball and have a great week!

18:15

Before we sign off for the week, have a look at some of the photos from round 9 last matches.

17:57

So, here all the results from EHF Champions League Women round 9. Ikast and FTC shared the spoils in a gripping Match of the Week, Györ remained perfect, while Metz, Esbjerg and Odense also continued their terrific streaks. Sävehof and Zaglebie are still the only teams with no points this season.

17:47

And finally, CSM Bucuresti had an easy day's work against Buducnost. It was a one-sided match from the beginning, ending 44:26, which is the highest number of goals scored by CSM this season in the EHF Champions League Women.

Vilde Ingstad was perfect (8/8), Cristina Neagu almost did the same (7/8). CSM are third in group A and still in hunt for second-placed Odense who has three points more.

17:43

Odense won the final seven minutes by 5:2 and recorded their fourth win in as many matches against Bietigheim. The Germans started brightly by leading 4:0, but once Odense came to the match, it was close all the way until the end.

Yara Ten Holte was impressive for Odense with 16 saves (41 per cent), while Bo van Wetering and Helena Elver Hagesø scored six goals each.

With their fourth consecutive win, Odense stay in second spot in group A. Not only that, but they also increased the gap to Bietigheim to four points. You can check out all the standings right here.

17:37

That is six wins in a row now for Metz who played an excellent second half against Vipers. Lead by their top scorer Kristina Jörgensen, who scored eight times, Metz remained firmly in second place of group B. Luckily for them, Ikast won only a point against FTC so the third-placed Danish side now trail three points behind the French.

The reigning champions lost their third match of the last four and remain in sixth place with seven points. CS Rapid Bucuresti also has seven.

17:31 | FULL-TIME

SG BBM BIETIGHEIM - ODENSE HÅNDBOLD 25:28

17:29

Surely it's Odense's win. They lead 27:24 with a minute to go!

17:28 | FULL-TIME

METZ HANDBALL - VIPERS KRISTIANSAND 31:29

17:25 | FULL- TIME

CSM BUCURESTI - WHC BUDUCNOST BEMAX 44:26

17:20

Tomás Hlavatý called a timeout for Vipers, but nothing helps. Metz are pulling away with the victory, they lead 29:24 with less than six minutes to go in this game. The closest game right now is the one in Germany where Bietigheim and Odense are completely tied at 23 goals apiece. Final seven minutes there.

17:16

We have goal number 40 in Bucharest! Tanja Ivanovic is the scorer, CSM lead Buducnost 40:23 with 10 minutes left. In Germany Odense are stuck on 21 goals. Bietigheim have closed the gap (21:20).

17:13

The home fans are turning up the noise in Palais Omnisports Les Arenes. Brilliant atmosphere in Metz! Vinter Burgaard gives them more to cheer for by scoring to put Metz ahead 26:23.

17:08

In Bucharest it's only a matter of how many goals will CSM score. The winner is decided, the scoreline says CSM 34, Buducnost 22. Neagu and Ingstad both on seven goals.

17:04

Odense are warming up nicely. With four goals in succession they establish a 21:17 lead. The German team, who lost their previous three matches, are in trouble.

16:59

Three quick goals by Metz and everything is tied now in France (17:17). The lead is switching back and forth in Germany, now Bietigheim are slightly ahead, 15:14. No drama in Bucharest though, CSM have a comfortable lead 28:19 against Buducnost.

16:50

Second half in Metz is under way. Soon the two remaining matches will join in.

16:45

Two tight encounters and one dominanting performance from CSM after the first 30 minutes. CSM are absolutely in control against Buducnost. Cristina Neagu, who was struggling with injury lately, scored five goals, just like Ingstad, and CSM lead 24:15. World champion Grace Zaadi also returned for CSM. Buducnost are highly likely to resume their difficult season.

Metz and Vipers are trading blows. After first half the Norwegian side has their nose in front (14:13). Vipers were up 6:3, then Metz turned it around to lead 10:7, but it's a tight match all together. One of the leading scorers of the competition, Kristina Jörgensen, is on three goals. Rebecca Börjesson collected nine saves for Vipers.

Odense finished the first half strongly having opened it with 0:4. They lead at Bietigheim 11:10 at half-time. Yara Ten Holte is having a fine game with seven saves so far for the Danes.

16:36 | HALF-TIME

METZ HANDBALL - VIPERS KRISTIANSAND 13:14

CSM BUCURESTI - WHC BUDUCNOST BEMAX 24:15

SG BBM BIETIGHEIM - ODENSE HÅNDBOLD 10:11

16:29

Three goals without reply now from Kristiansand and it's all tied in Metz, 11:11. Bietigheim lead Odense 9:8, while red-hot CSM already scored 20 goals against Buducnost. They conceded 12.

16:20

Metz score four goals in a row to lead Vipers 10:7. In Germany, Odense showed up late for the game. Bietigheim opened up a 4:0 lead, but the guests have recovered and even took over the lead (7:6). Now it's 7:7.

16:17

CSM are on fire today! Ingstad scores her fourth goal of the match and Buducnost already have a mountain to climb. It's 13:7 to the Romanian side.

16:10

Powerful start from CSM who are already 9:5 in front. Bietigheim are up 4:1 against Odense, while Vipers lead Metz 4:3.

16:00

Just as we start the final three games of round 9, take a look at some of the pics from Ikast!

15:58

Here are some crucial talking points before next matches, written by our Adrian Costeiu in the round preview:

Metz are on a five-game winning streak, losing the last time in round 3 in late September 2023; before overcoming CS Rapid Bucuresti in the last round ahead of the break, Vipers' last win was also in round 3.

After a three-match unbeaten streak to end 2023, CSM can reinsert themselves into contention for a top-two finish in this group, as they are only three points behind Odense. Buducnost’s away form has been found lacking, as the Montenegrin side only sealed a point in four matches, 20:20 against Brest, losing the other three matches by an average margin of almost 13 goals per match.

Bietigheim’s excellent start of the season, with a five-match winning streak, has now morphed into a three-match losing streak, as the German side failed to find their rhythm at the end of 2023.

15:45

In 15 minutes time three more games are starting. Metz Handball – Vipers Kristiansand, CSM Bucuresti – WHC Buducnost BEMAX, and SG BBM Bietigheim – Odense Håndbold. Who are you picking to win?

15:40

With 10 goals from 14 shots, including the final two crucial goals, Andrea Lekic was voted Player of the Match. Márton and Klujber scored four, while Böde-Bíró made 10 saves.

For Ikast, Austmo had a phenomenal second half and ended the match with 14 saves (41 per cent). Bakkerud scored five goals, Skogrand, Friis and Hougaard four each.

15:35

What a finish in Ikast! The hosts will be utterly disappointed not to have won that one having lead 28:26 in the final two minutes.

Lekic brought FTC to a one goal deficit, then Lindqvist missed from outside. FTC had the last 18 seconds to salvage something from the match. And they did. Lekic, who else, scored from six meters. Böde-Bíró saved Jerábková's attempt in the dying moments.

15:29 | FULL-TIME

IKAST HANDBOLD - FTC-RAIL CARGO HUNGARIA 28:28

15:24

Again Austmo! Wonderful save after Lekic's penalty shot and then another vital intervention from the home goalkeeper to Cvijic's shot. Wow! And then Friis scores from the wing, Ikast lead by two goals (28:26)! Final two minutes.

15:22

Iversen put Ikast three goals in front (27:24), but never count out FTC. They react with goals from Márton and Lekic (her eighth) and it's 27:26 with three and a half minutes left in the game.

15:17

Just a reminder that in the first meeting between these teams this season FTC won 37:36. It might go down to the wire in Ikast as well. Two suspensions at the moment, one on each side. Ikast lead 26:24 as Böhme scores from the wing! Eight minutes to go.

15:12

Just like Michael Jordan, Andrea Austmo Pedersen took it personally and responded with a few great saves of her own. Ikast are again in front, 24:23. Less than 12 minutes to go in this highly entertaining clash!

15:05

Goalkeepers on both sides are enjoying pretty good minutes, especially Böde-Bíró who's just made two terrific saves back to back! Thanks to her, and to goals from Simon and Márton, FTC have levelled the match at 20:20.

15:02

It's a tussle in the opening minutes of the second half so far. Ikast seem more stable at the moment, they lead 20:18. Timeout FTC.

14:54

It's definitely worth noting that Kinga Janurik returned to EHF Champions League Women action today. FTC's goalkeeper was ruled out since September 23 last year because of a knee injury. Against Ikast she's made five saves so far. Her teammate Böde-Bíró has three saves to her name, while Andrea Austmo has four and Irma Schjött one save for Ikast.

14:51

The second half just started, it's Ikast who lead FTC 17:16 after the first 30 minutes.

14:40

Entertaining first half comes to a close in Ikast. FTC enjoyed a better start, Lekic was on her usual level and the Hungarian side built up a healthy lead 12:8, however the hosts responded admirably and not only closed the gap, but managed to end the first half in front thanks to a goal by Lindqvist.

Hougaard scored four goals for Ikast, Friis, Bakkerud and Jerábková three, while FTC's Lekic netted four times and Bölk three for the guests.

14:37 | HALF-TIME

IKAST HANDBOLD - FTC-RAIL CARGO HUNGARIA 17:16

14:31

And we're level in Denmark! Great fightback from Ikast. They were down 12:8, but now is 15:15 with three minutes to go in the first half. They managed to sort themselves out in defence, while in attack they profited from creating plays for their wings.

14:27

FTC are in front almost the entire first half, but Ikast keep coming back at them. Now Friis scored nicely from the wing and the Hungarians lead by only a goal (13:12). Jerábková and Lekic lead the scoring chart with three goals apiece.

14:24

14:22

Another goal from Lekic puts FTC 12:8 in front, but Bakkerud immediately brings it back to a three goal deficit from the host's perspective.

14:17

Maestro at work.

14:13

Emily Bölk scored twice in a row, Ikast's Iversen received a second suspension already, and then Gréta Márton took FTC to 9:6 after 13 minutes of play.

14:10

It's a fast-paced game so far. Already ten goals in only eight minutes (5:5). Böde-Bíró saved a penalty shot by Friis in the first minute, and then Lekic opened the scoring for the guests. FTC lost Edwige due to a two-minute suspension, but remained in front (3:2, 4:3), before Ikast took the lead 5:4 with Skogrand's goal, but only shortly.

14:00

And we're off! Our Match of the Week between Ikast and FTC has just started.

13:55

We're five minutes shy of the throw-off in Ikast. As always, you can watch all matches live on EHFTV (keep in mind that geo-restrictions may apply).

13:52

As we're edging closer to the start of our feature match this weekend, keep in mind that last seasons' runners-up FTC are looking for their 120th win in the EHF Champions League Women, making them the fifth club ever to reach that milestone.

13:45

Recently at the 2023 IHF Women's World Championships Ingvild Bakkerud and Stine Skogrand from Ikast won silver with Norway, while their club teammates players celebrated bronze with Denmark (Sarah Aaberg Iversen, Simone Petersen, Emma Friis and Julie Scaglione). Ikast's top scorer Markéta Jerábková finished as the top scorer with 63 goals during the tournament.

13:37

FTC's Andrea Lekic is tied-third in the top goal scorers list with 51 goals, alongside Kristina Jörgensen (Metz Handball); her EHF Champions League tally is now at 1,002 (fourth woman history to reach club 1000) and is now running after Görbicz milestone of 1016 goals.

Also, last month FTC announced four huge transfers. This summer their team will be joined by Olympic champion Darya Dmitrieva, world champions Laura Glauser and Orlane Kanor, and also Valeriia Maslova. Impressive!

13:30

Elsewhere today, we have three more games coming up at 16:00 CET. SG BBM Bietigheim and Odense Håndbold face off in possibly a crucial match for second place in group A, CSM Bucuresti are looking to keep their hopes for a top-two finish in the same group alive against WHC Buducnost BEMAX, while Metz Handball are hosts to reigning champions Vipers Kristiansand. The French team are on a five-game winning streak.

13:20

After four matches on Saturday, we have four more on Sunday. One of them is Match of the Week between Ikast Handbold and FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria in group B, starting at 14:00 CET. Danish team had a dream start to the season with five straight wins, but are now on a three-game losing streak, while FTC want to keep their hot streak of three consecutive wins going, having opened their campaign with only a point in five games.

FTC won their tightly contested affair against Ikast last October 37:36 led by a total of 18 goals from Katrin Klujber and Andrea Lekic. It was truly a mouth-watering clash and hopefully it will be the same today.

13:10

Somehow you missed Saturday's action? No worries, we've got you covered. EHF Champions League Women returned after a break of nearly two months with convincing victories by both group leaders Györi Audi ETO KC and Team Esbjerg. Brest Bretagne Handball also won, while Krim Mercator Ljubljana narrowly beat CS Rapid Bucuresti. Check out our daily review by Sergey Nikolaev:

13:00

A very warm welcome to all you handball fans! Round 9 of the EHF Champions League Women 2023/24 resumes today with four more exciting games, so make sure you stay with us during our live coverage. You can check the schedule of all the matches we have in store for you here.

SUNDAY JANUARY 7

20:45

We’re wrapping up the first day of EHF Champions League matches this year. Don’t forget that four more matches await on Sunday, including the MOTW between Ikast Handbold and FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (14:00 CET). Our live blog will be up and running as usual, so make sure to come back tomorrow!

Until then, find out more insights by taking a look at the day review for Saturday. Have a great night!

20:14

It's been an intense first day of round 9, so let's have a quick recap of what happened.

Favourites Győr and Esbjerg consolidated their positions at the top of their groups. Even though the Danish team couldn't rely on Kathrine Heindahl after her injury at the 2023 IHF Women's World Championship, Henny Reistad, Live Rushfeldt and Kristine Breistøl showed off their skills in attack to secure a win. Unfortunately, Sävehof and Lubin's chase for their first points in the competition isn't over yet.

As far as the later games are concerned, after keeping the lead most of the match, Rapid cracked under pressure and lost against Krim. For now, Rapid sits seventh in the group B standings, still hoping to get their hands on a ticket to the play-offs.

Brest Bretagne grabbed two well-deserved points today and celebrated their 40th win in the EHF Champions League.

19:49

Today's EHF Champions League games didn't disappoint! Check out a few pictures from our evening matches.

19:33 | FULL-TIME

BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL – DVSC SCHAEFFLER 38:28 (19:14)

The French team gets to celebrate with their fans after an impressive win against DVSC. It wasn't exactly the Hungarians' best day, while Brest had a wonderful performance both in the offence and defence, managing to increase the gap in the second half.

19:26 | FULL-TIME

KRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA – CS RAPID BUCURESTI 25:24 (11:12)

A nail-biting finish in Slovenia! 90 seconds before the end of the game, Rapid were one-goal ahead of Krim, but the hosts managed to score through Itana Grbic and level the match. The Romanians missed their last attack and Jovanka Radicevic scored the final goal to bring two important points to her team.

19:18

Heading into the final ten minutes of the game, Brest keep up the same pace and have a comfortable lead (32:21). Alexandrina Barbosa's great performance continues, having netted nine times.

In Slovenia the atmosphere is getting more intense, with only four minutes left.

19:14

David Ginesta Montes' decision to put Denisa Sandru between the posts has proven to be beneficial for the team, as the Romanian goalkeeper has a 42 per cent save efficiency at the moment. In addition, Dorina Korsós has been in great form, with seven goals scored from just as many shots. But the Romanian team isn't able to maintain the gap and Krim quickly recover everytime. It's 22:22.

19:03

Despite a few key saves from Denisa Sandru in the last few minutes, Krim stay one goal behind Rapid (19:18). Meanwhile, Brest have almost doubled the difference they had at the break (26:15), as DVSC continue to struggle.

18:50

The game in Slovenia restarts and Rapid have the first chance in the attack, but they don't manage to net this time. Krim take advantage of their opponents' error and get the score to 12:12.

In France the players are warming up for the second half.

18:38 | HALF-TIME

BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL – DVSC SCHAEFFLER 19:14

Brest increase their gap to five goals after Audrey Dembélé scores in the last ten seconds. Can the Hungarian side turn the match in their favour after the break?

18:34 | HALF-TIME

KRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA – CS RAPID BUCURESTI 11:12

Not the first half Krim wished for. The Slovenians hope to end their three-game losing streak, but they haven't been able to get into a steady rhythm so far this evening. In their first encounter, Rapid celebrated a win, which is also the aim for today. With only a one goal difference at the break, everything is possible in the second half.

18:28

This is some great teamwork from Valeriia Maslova and Pauletta Foppa! Both managed to net two times in the game, but Alexandrina Barbosa leads the French attack with five goals. As it stands, both Brest and Rapid are two goals ahead, with just a few minutes left on the clock.

18:24

Ten minutes left in the first half and the clash in Slovenia stays close. The Romanians have been keeping their one-goal advantage for a while, currently leading 9:8.

DVSC are struggling to reduce the goal difference to Brest, who take advantage of every opportunity and are two goals ahead (12:10).

18:13

Rapid look motivated in the first minutes of the game and have a slight advantage against their hosts (4:3). Ten minutes have already passed in France, where Brest are two goals ahead (7:5).

18:03

The games are on and guests DVSC and Rapid are the first ones to score!

17:55

Seven seems to be the number of the evening, as all four teams that play at 18:00 CET have managed to grab seven points in eight games. It will be an interesting fight between Brest and DVSC, as the French only managed to get one point on home ground, while the visitors’ away form hasn’t been spectacular. In group B, every point counts as Vipers, Krim, FTC and Rapid are tied with three wins, one draw and four losses each.

Audrey Dembélé, left back, Brest Bretagne Handball: “We’re looking forward to resuming the competition, it’s been a long time since we have played in an official match. We have prepared and we have studied the meeting well. We are ready to take our revenge. It’s important for us to start the year off well.”

David Ginesta Montes, head coach, CS Rapid Bucuresti: "The match against Krim will be very tough, more difficult than the one at home. However, we have to continue with the fighting spirit that we showed in the last games before the World Championship. We will try our best to come back with two points from Slovenia."

17:48

Brest Bretagne and DVSC are tied in the group A standings and are placed fifth and sixth at the moment. The Hungarian team won 31:24 in their first encounter. Can Pablo Morel's players get their revenge?

17:37

With less than half an hour left until the next matches, here are some of the best snapshots from Hungary and Denmark!

17:25 | FULL-TIME

GYÖRI AUDI ETO KC – IK SÄVEHOF 39:20 (19:7)

TEAM ESBJERG – MKS ZAGLEBIE LUBIN 32:26 (19:11)

17:19

As our first matches of the day are getting close to the end, let's take a look at some numbers.

The MVP of the 2023 IHF Women's World Championship, Henny Reistad, shines today with six goals for Esbjerg, being the main goalscorer of the team. For Lubin, Daria Michalak and Jovana Milojevic have both put on a great show today, netting seven and five times, respectively.

In the meantime, 14 of Györ's players have scored at least once.

17:09

A mix of good defence and strong attacking skills keeps Györ 13 goals ahead Sävehof (29:16). Just watch these quick moves by Estelle Nze Minko!

16:59

Almost ten minutes into the second half and the hosts still manage to keep a significant advantage against their visitors. Lubin can't seem to find the right solution to get past Esbjerg's defence, despite Daria Michalak's best efforts, who leads the attack with four goals.

The Hungarians are just one step closer to a nine-game streak, as they lead 26:15.

16:48

We're just a few moments away from the second half!

16:35 | HALF-TIME

GYÖRI AUDI ETO KC – IK SÄVEHOF 19:7

TEAM ESBJERG – MKS ZAGLEBIE LUBIN 19:11

16:30

In case you needed more proof of Kristine Breistøl's amazing skills...

16:26

Silje Solberg-Oesthassel has been a wall in defence for Györ, saving nine times out of 15 shots (60 per cent efficiency). Her team now is eight goals ahead (14:6), with just as much minutes left on the clock.

In Denmark, Esbjerg have picked up the pace and lead 15:7 with the help of Kristine Breistøl, who scored four times so far. No wonder she is currently the top scorer of the competition!

16:14

The Danish fans keep cheering for their team, while Esbjerg fight to increase the difference to Lubin. The hosts have a two-goal advantage after almost 13 minutes (7:5). Their seventh goal in the match means that Esbjerg have officially reached the 2,500-goal milestone in the EHF Champions League!

The match seems more relaxed for Györ, currently leading 8:2.

16:07

It's been a slow start for the guests in Hungary, as Sävehof had to wait for five minutes to score their first goal. Meanwhile, Györ have already established a five-goal gap (6:1), which is why Jesper Östlund asked for a timeout.

16:00

The games are underway! Sävehof and Esbjerg have first possession.

15:55

Five minutes to go!

15:48

As we’re getting closer to the first games of the round, make sure to check out the full schedule and tune in to EHFTV to follow the action live (geo-restrictions may apply).

There are two milestones that we are looking forward to today. Esbjerg’s seventh goal in the match will be their 2,500th in the EHF Champions League, while Brest Bretagne hope to get their 40th win in the competition, as they welcome DVSC in Brest Arena.

15:33

Both Györ and Esbjerg are leaders in their respective groups and begin the new year with lots of confidence. While Györ’s form has been nothing short of impressive, the Danish side has proven that they have a very strong team on which they can count this season. Seven of their players won medals at the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship with Norway and Denmark. Let’s see what the teams had to say.

Amalie Milling, goalkeeper, Team Esbjerg: "We expect Zaglebie Lubin to come with a lot of energy. They want to prove themselves, so they will give their all to win. That is why we need to be focused all 60 minutes and minimize the amount of errors, in order to win the game."

Emilie Hovden, right wing, Győri Audi ETO KC: “I am happy to be back in the EHF Champions League. I think we will have a good match against Sävehof now. If you look at the matches we played against them in the autumn, I can say that we have improved a lot. We didn't show our best form then. I think we will be much better now.”

15:20

This weekend will definitely be an exciting one, as Györ are fighting to keep their perfect winning record intact, being the only team in this situation. It will be a difficult day for DVSC and Rapid, who seek to grab more points in away games: against Brest Bretagne and Krim, respectively. In case you need to refresh your memory about what has happened in the EHF Champions League Women until now and what we expect from this weekend, our EHF journalist Adrian Costeiu has prepared a preview for you.

15:10

Hello everyone and welcome to a new year that’s expected to put on great handball shows for all fans! We’re resuming the EHF Champions League Women 2023/24 after an almost two-month break. The teams are more motivated than ever, hoping to grab two more points in their first encounters of the year. Round 9 starts with four matches on Saturday, so make sure to stay updated with all the action that’s happening today!