Everything wide open in Group D ahead of Round 5
With all four teams on four points after four matches, Group D is the most equal and unpredictable group in the Women’s EHF Champions League Group Matches.
All teams still have their fate in their own hands, but no team can qualify for the main round this weekend.
Theoretically, all four teams may finish with six points, in which case internal results among all four teams will decide the final standing.
• RK Krim Mercator are chasing their third home win in a row
• Team Esbjerg are chasing their first win in three matches
• Larvik are seeking revenge for their first defeat ever to IK Sävehof
RK Krim Mercator (SLO) vs Team Esbjerg (DEN)
Saturday 12 November, 15.30 local time, live on ehftv.com
Things have certainly changed for Krim after they opened their current Champions League campaign with a 35:25 defeat away against Esbjerg.
Home wins against Larvik and Sävehof and only a two-goal away defeat to Sävehof have given the Slovenian side a good chance to reach the main round.
Saturday afternoon, they are chasing their third home win in a row, as they are facing Esbjerg who have lost their two latest group matches, both against Larvik.
“Krim have obviously improved since we last met them, but I still think they suit us rather well, as they do not play as physically for instance as Larvik.
“In case of a win, our goal difference will be so good that strange things will have to happen to keep us from proceeding to the main round.
We certainly do not want to let that chance go by,” says Esbjerg coach Lars Frederiksen.
IK Sävehof (SWE) vs Larvik (NOR)
Sunday 13 November, 15.00 local time, live on ehftv.com
Gro Hammerseng-Edin’s buzzer beater against Team Esbjerg last Saturday was crucial to Larvik, as the 30:29 win gave the Norwegian record champions, Larvik, a fine position to qualify for the main round.
Sunday afternoon, Larvik are chasing two further crucial points, and at the same time, they are seeking revenge for the first defeat against Sävehof in history.
When Sävehof won 25:22 in the Boligmappa Arena of Larvik in the first match, it was the first win ever for the Swedish side against Larvik.
“We were controlling that match for 53 minutes, but still we lost.
“However, we have improved since then, and above all, we have become more consistent.
“Now, it is about winning our last two group matches – this one against Sävehof and then our home match against Krim in order to make our main round berth sure, and to take as many points with us as possible,” says Larvik coach Tor Odvar Moen who has left wing Sanna Solberg back from injury.
Sävehof had the worst possible dress rehearsal ahead of the Scandinavian derby, as they suffered their first defeat in the Swedish league this season.
Seventh placed Västeras won sensationally 25:22 at home Thursday night.
TEXT: Peter Brunn / bc
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