CSM Bucuresti determined to succeed on debut

It was a big challenge to combine seven sports under one roof, but supported by the city council, a municipal sports club was founded in Bucharest in 2007.

In terms of women’s handball true success story began. In the 2011/12 season, the team had its first appearance in the EHF European Cup competitions, four years later, they are now part of the Women's EHF Champions League.

After becoming Romanian champions for the first time in the club's history, their goal is not to simply make up the numbers in the Europe's top flight competition but to fight for the trophy at their first attempt.

CSM Bucuresti, however, are not as inexperienced as they might seem. Their squad includes four Brazilian world champions, two Swedish EHF EURO bronze medallists, two Danish World Championship bronze medallists, a Spanish EHF EURO silver medallist and the most experienced player in the Romanian national team.

The squad takes root with the extraordinary goalkeeping duo of Mayssa Pessoa (Brazil) and newcomer Jelena Grubisic. CSM then boast two Swedish EHF EURO MVPs, Isabelle Gullden (2014) and Linnea Torstenson (2010), and newcomers Maria Fisker (Denmark) and Line Jorgensen.

Four weeks prior to the start of the Women's EHF Champions League season, it was announced that the club's coach, Mette Klit, had left the club by mutual consent.

Her successor was found quite quickly in fellow Dane, Kim Rasmussen, who will also remain as the Polish women's national team coach.

In Rasmussen's first match as an elite European club coach, CSM will play Polish champions Lublin.

The Romanian champions will then face defending champions Buducnost and Swedish domestic champions, Sävehof in Group D.

From top to bottom everyone involved with the club are eagerly awaiting the start of the flagship competition.

Club director, Constantin Caliman, said: “Playing in the Champions League is the pinnacle for any handball club, and having the opportunity of representing Romania in the competition is an additional pride for us all.

“Even if it’s our first season in the competition, we believe we have a very strong team that will fight hard towards achieving qualification for the FINAL4.

“We will be facing current champions Buducnost, so I think it’s safe to say that nothing less than our absolute best will suffice to go through.”

Team captain, Oana Manea, is expecting an upswing in form thanks to the club's new arrivals.

Manea said: “We had a strong team last season, and now that Bella Gullden, Line Jorgensen, Maria Fisker, Aurelia Bradeanu and Jelena Grubisic have joined our side, we are confident we can go far in the competition. We all want to qualify for the FINAL4!

“We will work hard to secure a decent amount of points to take with us into the main round. But it’s the Champions League, so there are no easy games.”

CSM Bucuresti (ROU)

Qualification for the 2015/16 Women’s EHF Champions League season: Romanian champions

Newcomers: Line Jörgensen (FC Midtjylland), Isabelle Gullden (Viborg HK), Maria Fisker (Viborg HK), Jelena Grubisic (Györi Audi ETO KC), Aurelia Bradeanu (ASS Corona Brasov)

Left the club: Talida Tolnai (retired), Iulia Zaremba (Rapid Bucharest), Iryna Glibko (HCM Roman), Patricia Vizitiu (HCM Baia Mare), Mihaela Tivadar (CSM Ploiesti)

Coach: Kim Rasmussen (since September 2015, Mette Klit's successor)

Team captain: Oana Manea

Opponents in group matches: Buducnost, IK Sävehof, MKS Selgros Lublin (Group D)

Women’s EHF Champions League records:

Participations (including 2015/16 season): 1

Other EC records:

EHF Cup

Last 16: 2011/12

Romanian champions: 2015