Prior to Saturday (6 February), Vipers Kristiansand were riding a seven-game unbeaten streak in the DELO EHF Champions League, but their double-header against FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria in 48 hours did not go as planned.

After their 30:28 loss on two days ago, the Norwegian side – playing this rescheduled ‘home’ game from September in Erd, Hungary – failed to avenge it, as the Hungarian team now go equal with Metz Handball at the top of group A.

GROUP A

Vipers Kristiansand (NOR) vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN) 26:31 (11:15)

• FTC were inspired by a superb first-half outing from goalkeeper Kinga Janurik with 10 saves
• Hungarian team took a healthy four-goal (15:11) lead into half-time
• Led by playmaker Aniko Kovacsics, who scored eight goals, FTC controlled the game, limiting the Norwegian side to a 48% attacking efficiency in the first half
• A 3:0 run from the 33rd-36th minute saw FTC jump to an unassailable 20:13 lead
• FTC now tie Metz in first on 16 points, and with the tiebreaker
• Vipers lie fifth, with 12 points, one point behind CSM Bucuresti, who are fourth

Vipers lag behind after strong start

After a seven-game unbeaten streak, where they looked focused and poised to make a challenge for the DELO EHF FINAL 4 in Budapest, Vipers are losing steam.

The Norwegian side have lost back-to-back games against FTC in the last 48 hours and look out of sorts especially in attack, where their reliable nine-metre line is lagging behind. Women’s EHF EURO 2020 top goalscorer Nora Mørk has scored just five goals in the last two games.