The winners of the last three editions of the EHF Champions League Women, Vipers Kristiansand, find themselves in uncharted territory. In the previous seasons, by round 10 of the group phase, the Norwegian powerhouse would already be in the play-offs and would challenge for a quarter-final berth.

Now, after a tumultuous summer, which saw high-profile exits both on the bench and in the roster, Vipers are sixth, tied on seven points with Rapid Bucuresti, the first team under the line. The reigning champions are fighting for their lives in the European premium competition.