Offensive masterclass powers CSM to winning start

In a packed hall full of roaring fans, CSM left nothing to chance in a tough opener against FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria, taking a 36:31 win.

The Romanian side enjoyed an impressive outing in attack, firing on all cylinders with a 73% efficiency.

• CSM had one of their best ever attacking outings in the European premium competition, only three goals short of last year’s record, 39 goals, against Nykøbing
• Cristina Neagu threw off the season in style as she was CSM’s best goal scorer, with nine goals
• CSM will travel in Germany to face Bietigheim next week, while FTC host Vipers Kristiansand

GROUP D

CSM Bucuresti (ROU) vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN) 36:31 (18:13)

For the first games in Magnus Johansson’s era, CSM’s biggest problem was finding their flow in attack, with the Romanian side displaying serious chemistry problems.

Yet they threw off the shackles within the first six minutes against FTC, scoring six goals via fast breaks, with intelligent passes for the wings and, of course, by superb shots from last season’s Women’s EHF Champions League top scorer, Cristina Neagu.

It was no surprise that CSM raced into a 7:3 lead, mainly thanks to the rekindled link between Dragana Cvijic and Neagu, as well as the efficiency of the two Montenegrin wings, Jovanka Radicevic and Majda Mehmedovic.

The Romanian side even opened a five-goal gap, 11:6, boasting a 76% efficiency in attack. However, they quickly faltered as FTC managed to cut the cap to two goals. But with Neagu back at her best, scoring six goals in the first half, CSM had a comfortable 18:13 gap at half-time.

It proved to be an unassailable lead for the Romanian side, whose experience and depth on the bench worked wonders in the second half. 

As Neagu and Mehmedovic proved virtually unstoppable, and Elizabeth Omoregie was a surprise addition in attack, CSM widened the gap to seven goals, 29:22, enjoying a 36:31 win in the end.

“I enjoyed it so much,” said CSM head coach Magnus Johansson. “I think we played a really good attack handball, we knew they will put pressure on us for 60 minutes, that they will run really fast and try to score.”

“Overall we think that this match wasn’t a big shame for us,” added FTC head coach Gabor Elek. “We had problems with the injured players during the preparation and during this game some of the players played with injuries. But for sure, every player did their best.”