04.03.2018, 05:41
Ungureanu's masterpiece brings CSM the win

GROUP 1 REVIEW: Paula Ungureanu had one of the best games of the season, closing the goal against FCM, to bring CSM a 29:24 win

Ungureanu's masterpiece brings CSM the win

CSM had to sweat for the two points against FCM, but ultimately the Romanian side did just enough to stop a two-game winless run.

The hosts took the lead for the first time in the 29th minute and needed a huge game from goalkeeper Paula Ungureanu, but will fight for one of the first two places in the group next week in a tough clash against Rostov.

"I’m glad that we took two points today. We met a good team, we knew that from the start and they punished us for our mistakes. I’m just very happy and proud for this victory, we beat a good team," Amanda Kurtovic, CSM top scorer in the game said after the win.

• Ungureanu saves 18 shots to lift CSM past FCM
• Cristina Neagu and Amanda Kurtovic were CSM's top scorers, with six goals each
• The Danish side needs to win in the last game to progress to the next round

GROUP 1

CSM Bucuresti vs FC Midtjylland (DEN) 29:24 (13:12)

It took CSM nearly four minutes to score their first goal, but the struggle went on, as the offensive woes were there to be seen again for the Romanian powerhouse.

After an in-flight goal from Veronica Kristiansen, the Romanian fans were reduced to silence, as FCM took an impressive 7:3 lead after ten minutes, as CSM had a meagre 33% shot efficiency.

A time-out taken by Helle Thomsen did change CSM's perspective over the game, as the Romanian side upped their tempo and improved their defence.

It was no surprise that the hosts tied the score, 8:8, thanks to a 5:1 partial, spurred by Nathalie Hagman, the Swedish right wing who scored three times.

It would have been worse for CSM if not for a 10-save half for Ungureanu, but the 2016 champions took a 13:12 lead at half-time.

Depth and experience decisive for CSM

When FCM failed to score in the first seven minutes, it looked like game over, but the hosts never managed to open a healthy gap.

The Danish side had three chances to tie the game, but Ungureanu closed the goalposts, as a 4:0 run between the 48th and the 51st minute brought CSM the win.

The Romanian outfit is still in the mix for winning the group, but will need a win in Rostov, combined with a Györ loss against Krim.

FCM's only chance to proceed is winning against NFH in the last round, while Krim must not win in Györ.

"It was a clear victory at the end but as I told the girls in the locker room, I’m very proud of their work. We’ve made a good pressure and played a good handball around 45 minutes and that’s what I’m very satisfied about. They beat us in the end with a good physic and of course a good handball playing," FCM head coach Kristian Kristiansen commented.

Assistant coach CSM Bucuresti, Adi Vasile commentede: "First of all, it was a win we really needed. We played against a team which has a very good organisation, a very good structure, with experienced players but also with really good young players. We want to thank our fans that always come to support us, to make such a great atmosphere on our home games. Of course, we count on them for the next and last match home this season to come and support us because we need their energy."

TEXT: Adrian Costeiu / br