29.01.2017, 06:00
FC Midtjylland earn sweet revenge against Esbjerg

GROUP 2 REVIEW: FC Midtjylland earned their fourth win in as many home matches in the EHF Champions League after a 38:26 drubbing of Esbjerg

FC Midtjylland earn sweet revenge against Esbjerg

A painful loss after a penalty shootout in last year Danish League's final was not easily forgotten by FC Midtjylland. The two sides found themselves on a collision course in the Women's EHF Champions League Main Round and the hosts redeemed themselves with a stunning second-half comeback.

• Stine Jørgensen had an outstanding game, with 12 goals
• Midtjylland are currently second in Group 2 with six points, while Esbjerg are bottom, with two points
• The Danish champions will host Györ, while Midtjylland will face Larvik

GROUP 2

FC Midtjylland (DEN) vs Team Esbjerg (DEN) 38:26 (17:19)

There was nothing to separate the two sides after 10 minutes, as Midtjylland and Esbjerg traded goals in a high-paced start that saw both teams excel in counter attacks, thanks to their pacy wings.

However, in a battle in which both teams knew each other perfectly, it was Midtjylland who managed to surprise first and gain the upper hand, pulling out to an early 10:5 lead. It looked like nothing could derail FC Midtjylland's bid for a fourth straight win at home this season.

But inspired by an excellent Laura van der Heijden, who scored six goals in the first 30 minutes, Esbjerg quickly turned the game on its head and were leading by a two-goal margin at half-time, 19:17.

Unstoppable Jørgensen earns the win for FCM

But Esbjerg did not manage to maintain their form in the second half, mainly due to roster woes which have seen them lose sharpshooter Estavana Polman due to pregnancy.

A 12:4 run to begin the second half was more than enough for FCM to take another two points to add to their tally.

An impressive outing from Stine Jørgensen, who scored 12 goals, was the main ingredient that spiced the hosts' win, with Esbjerg in no position to stop the powerful back's scoring spree.

Esbjerg failed to respond to Midtjylland's attack and the final result of 38:26 showed a huge gulf in class between the two sides.

TEXT: Adrian Costeiu / jh