Group A was in complete focus during Saturday’s action where Metz HB advanced to the first spot. On their own account, Metz held Ferencvaros back on 19 goals and CSM Bucharest aided the French champion´s top ambitions by defeating Krim Ljubljana on away ground.
Having conceded only 19 goals, Cleopatre Darleux between the posts became an obvious match winner choice for Metz. The all-around French goalkeeper duel ended in 55 percent for Darleux against 34 for Laura Glauser and Ferencvaros. Sarah Bouktit and Chloe Valentini showed the way with five goals each as Metz left Ferencvaros behind after the break.
CSM Bucharest owned the game for a solid half hour but Krim Ljubljana almost caught up late on. Ana Gros (ten goals) pushed hard for an equaliser but Bucharest defended the lead despite som technical faults. Cristina Neagu left some space in the top scorer list, Elizabet Omoregie produced eight hits and Emilie Hegh Arntzen scored six times.
A bit behind the first place fight, Podravka Vegeta damaged Gloria-Bistrita with 29–25. Matea Pletikosic (nine goals) planned the attacks for the Croatian winner and Gloria-Bistrita fell behind already in the first half.
The nordic 3duel ended in Norwegian celebrations and continuous struggle for Nykobing Falster. The danish team had a small half-way advantage, 17–16 but Storhamar moved swiftly after the break and ran away when wing player Kristin Venn and centre back Anniken Obaidli found the net repeatedly. There’s still no points on Nykobing´s account, Storhamar is one point ahead of the play-off-line.
Champions League
Group A, Gloria-Bistrita–Podravka Vegeta 25–29 (7–13)
Nykobing Falster–Storhamar HB 28–33 (17–16)
Krim Ljubljana–CSM Bucharest 29–31 (15–19)
Metz HB–Ferencvaros 24–19 (11–11)