Bietigheim defeat Vipers in thrilling encounter

On Wednesday, SG BBM Bietigheim defeated fellow Women’s EHF Champions League debutants Vipers Kristiansand for the second time in a row. However, unlike the first meeting between the two teams, the German champions only decided the match in the last minute.

• Bietigheim are in second position in the group with four points after four matches
• Vipers remain on two points, and sit bottom of the group in joint third position.
• Kim Naidziniavicius scored 10 goals for Bietigheim
• Emilie Hegh Arntzen and Kari Skaar Brattset scored six goals each for Vipers

GROUP D

SG BBM Bietigheim (GER) vs Vipers Kristiansand (NOR) 25:24 (16:13)

Bietigheim were missing their Danish left wing Fie Woller due to a twisted ankle, however, that did not stop them from defeating fellow Champions League debutants Vipers for the second time in 10 days.

However, unlike the match in Norway on 22 October, which Bietigheim won 29:24, the game in MHP Arena in Ludwigsburg was an intense affair, which was not decided until the last minute.

A late save from goalkeeper Katrine Lunde kept Vipers in the game, however, they missed their last-second opportunity to equalise through a free throw.

After Vipers had been up 3:1 and 4:2, Bietigheim took the initiative and kept it for the rest of the first half.

The 4:2 deficit was soon changed into a 6:4 lead, and towards half-time, the home team had several four goal leads.

Bietigheim seemed to be on their way to a smooth victory, as they got five goals up at 23:18 in the middle of the second half.

However, Viper’s played seven against six, which helped them to mount a comeback, resulting in an exciting finish.