CSM Bucharest allowed Podravka Vegeta a late chance to tie the game, but held on in an important move to clinch the third spot. Team Esbjerg and HB Ludwigsburg were convincing winners in group B and the danish team advanced to top two with two rounds to go.
Podravka Vegeta has already begun planning for the play-off part of the season. Even Bucharest on home ground was within reach for the Croatian underdog, the guests had a final-second-chance to get one point but the duel between Klara Birtic and Gabriela Moreschi was won by the keeper when the shot passed outside the post.
Cristina Neagu got CSM going with eight goals and the third position seems likely for Bucharest with the final group stage sprint to go.
An average of 9,4 goals per game puts Henny Reistad in a solid top scorer lead. Brest Bretagne suffered as the Norwegian super star hit the mark ten time. In the end Team Esbjerg achieved an easy win in preparation for next week’s derby clash versus Odense HB.
Johanna Bundsen stopped 14 of Rapid Bucharest’s attempts and laid ground for a stable defensive effort by HB Ludwigsburg. The keeper also had an attacking mindset and stood behind four goals in empty net. Ludwigsburg´s strong opening was equalized after 40 plus minutes, then the German team replied and Bundsen´s goal-seeking ball to 23–20 found the net during an irreparable period for Bucharest.
Champions League
Group A, HB Ludwigsburg–Rapid Bucharest 30–24 (17-14)
Group B, CSM Bucharest–Podravka Vegeta 31–30 (16–16)
Team Esbjerg–Brest Bretagne 36–27 (20–15)