For the fourth consecutive season, Team Esbjerg had a chance to reach the Champions League final – and for the fourth year in a row, they were eliminated in the semifinal by a Hungarian team. After a 29–28 victory, Györi now has the opportunity to defend their title from last season.
It just doesn’t seem to work out for Team Esbjerg in the Champions League, as they once again exited in the semifinals, and once again fell to a Hungarian opponent.
In Saturday’s semifinal against Györi, the reigning champions were the better team for most of the match. Esbjerg, led by Henny Reistad (who scored seven goals), never completely lost touch, but Györi appeared to be in control throughout.
A 17–15 halftime lead turned into a 29–28 win, thanks in part to some crucial late saves by Hatadou Sako. Combined with Dione Housheer’s seven goals, that tipped the scale in favor of the defending champions.
Per Johansson came out on top in the all-Swedish coaching duel against Tomas Axnér. Györi now has the chance to defend their title from last season – the final will be played on Sunday against either Odense or Metz.