CL: Ferencvaros back in business

After the two-month hiatus the Champions League teams returned with some steady form and some surprise. Win number eight in nine attempts saw Ferencvaros take over the lead in group A. Buducnost triumphed for the first time in 2024/25 and showed no mercy against Vipers Kristiansand.

Ferencvaros recently beat Györi ETO KC in a bid for the Hungarian title. With that in mind, it came as no surprise that the top team could overpower Krim Ljubljana. Daria Dmitrieva, Orlane Kanor and Angela Malestein brought five shots each to the net and Krim was scarcely within striking distance in the second half.

Podravka Vegeta lost the first four games but is truly back on track for the fun part of the season. Mia Brkic shone from the pivot position, in good cooperation with playmaker Matea Pletikosic in the Croatian champion. With six minutes to go, Nykøbing Falster held on to a small lead but technical errors and attacking precision from Pletikosic made Podravka capture two points away.

Gloria Bistrita came back versus Storhamar and secured an important win in the playoff battle. Daniela so Delgado found the pace for the sprint to 31–28, supported by Tamires De Araujo as a solid line force.

Vipers Kristiansand had serious difficulties in producing chances while Buducnost surprised the multi-titled team with patient offensive action. Jelena Vukcevic produced precise shots and Vipers fell even further behind with no particular threats, except for Lois Abbingh from back court. Buducnost first win of the campaign brought the team within three points of the sixth position aim.

Brest Bretagne commandeered the game play and ran away from Rapid Bucharest. The top four of group B have created a gap in the table, while Brest always deliver against the bottom opponent it will require more points versus the top contenders to keep the second position in the upcoming month.

Katharina Filter´s excellent saves (51 percent) was a convicing factor, the same week as her summer move to Team Esbjerg became official news.

Champions League
Group A,
Nykøbing Falster–Podravka Vegeta 28–31 (13–13)
Krim Ljubljana–Ferencvaros 22–27 (11–15)
Gloria Bistrita–Storhamar 31–28 (13–15)
Group B, Buducnost–Vipers Kristiansand 26–20 (13–9)
Brest Bretagne–Rapid Bucharest 33–21 (15–9)