Competent win over Esbjerg sees CSM secure third place

Last year, CSM Bucuresti failed to impress in the group matches and in the main round, but delivered two gems against Rostov to progress and eventually win the Women’s EHF Champions League.

The Romanian club will surely try to repeat the outcome this year, albeit from third place in the main round.

They progress into the quarter-final with only one loss in their last eight matches in the competition after winning their final main round match against Esbjerg on Sunday 25:20.

• CSM will meet FTC-Rail Cargo in the quarter-final phase
• Paula Ungureanu was CSM’s best player, saving 15 balls, while Aurelia Bradeanu and Carmen Martin scored five goals each
• The Romanian side has only lost once in their last eight matches, 35:33 against Larvik

GROUP 2

Team Esbjerg (DEN) vs CSM Bucuresti (ROU) 20:25 (7:12)

It was a fruitful five-minute salvo for Esbjerg, who started their last game of the European season with a bang, a 3:0 run that left CSM in turmoil.

But the Romanian side, who needed at least a draw to retain their third spot in the rankings, were brought back into the game by Paula Ungureanu. The goalkeeper had an amazing period, with six saves, to turn the game on its head.

CSM’s defensive prowess and a flurry of counterattacks saw the Romanian champions earn a 10:4 lead, with Esbjerg failing to score for over 12 minutes.

A meagre 18% attack efficiency was the main problem for Esbjerg, who found themselves fighting for a comeback. At half-time CSM led 12:7.

Solid second half for CSM

CSM had a shaky period between the 34th and the 37th minutes, with the Romanian side receiving four consecutive goals without scoring one. Esbjerg cut an eight-goal lead to only four goals, 16:12.

A well-taken timeout by coach Aurelian Rosca had a calming effect for the Romanian side, who managed to regroup in defence and jumped to a 18:12 lead with 20 minutes left.

While Esbjerg tried to mount a comeback, their attempts were futile. CSM’s experience kept the Danish side at bay through solid defence and clever plays in attack.

The 25:20 win hands CSM third place in the group and a face-off with Hungarian side FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria in the quarter-final.

While Esbjerg is eliminated from the Women’s EHF Champions League, their Danish counterparts FC Midtyjlland will meet Vardar in the last quarter-final of the season.