The long-awaited opening round of the EHF Champions League Women 2025/26 concluded on Sunday, offering everything from commanding victories to dramatic buzzer-beaters.
Györi Audi ETO KC began their title defence in dominant fashion, defeating Dortmund with a 43-goal display. After an even opening 20 minutes, the Hungarian side pulled away with Csenge Fodor strong in the first half and Bruna de Paula and Dione Housheer leading the charge after the break. Despite Lois Abbingh’s seven goals, Dortmund’s return to the elite ended with a heavy home defeat.
The Match of the Week lived up to its billing as Metz Handball celebrated their first away win in Esbjerg since 2020. In a tight contest, Nora Mørk’s eight goals kept the hosts in front for long spells, but Metz fought back through Petra Vamos and Lucie Granier. Goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen was decisive with 13 saves, earning Player of the Match as Metz sealed a narrow 30–29 victory.
Buducnost, playing their 31st season in the competition, fell short in another close encounter against DVSC Schaeffler. Despite a strong first half and seven goals from Itana Grbic, the hosts were undone by missed chances in the final stages. DVSC’s Océane Sercien-Ugolin and Petra Tóvizi proved decisive, while Adrianna Placzek made key saves to guide the Hungarian side to a one-goal win.
Ikast Håndbold marked their Champions League return with a dramatic last-second victory over CSM Bucuresti. The Danish side led comfortably at half-time, but the Romanian visitors fought back, levelling in the closing minutes thanks to Elizabeth Omoregie’s goals and Evelina Eriksson’s saves. With the final play, Emilie Hegh Arntzen struck against her former club to secure a memorable 28–27 win for Ikast.
Champions League:
BV Borussia Dortmund–Györi Audi ETO KC 30–43 (15–20)
Team Esbjerg–Metz Handball 29–30 (15–15)
OTP Group Buducnost–DVSC Schaeffler 24–25 (11–10)
Ikast Håndbold–CSM Bucuresti 28–27 (17–12)