The group phase of the Women’s EHF Champions League is done and the knockout stage is approaching. Some teams dominated from start to finish. Others improved dramatically as the season progressed. Momentum, squad quality and recent results matter more than ever now. Here is the GoHandball Power Rankings ahead of the Round of 16 and the race for the quarterfinals.
1. Győri Audi ETO KC
Record: 12–2
It feels familiar: Győri at the top.
Per Johansson’s team won their group on goal difference ahead of Metz and once again look like the most complete team in the competition. They scored the second-most goals of all teams and their only losses came in special circumstances – a one-goal defeat to Debrecen and the away loss to Esbjerg when half the squad was missing.
The squad depth is frightening. Hatadou Sako has delivered strong performances in goal, while Bruna Almeida, Helena Elver and Dione Housheer give Győr firepower all over the backcourt.
The question is not whether Győri are good enough. The question is whether anyone can stop them.
2. Metz Handball
Record: 12–2
Metz were almost perfect in the group phase.
Their only defeats came against Győr, which says a lot about the level of Emmanuel Mayonnade’s team. Metz combine defensive discipline with fast transitions and collective attacking play.
Several players share the scoring load:
Lena Grandveau – 61 goals
Lucie Granier – 58 goals
Petra Vámos – 38 goals
Sarah Bouktit sits sixth in the Champions League scoring list and Johanna Bundsen has been reliable between the posts.
Metz might not have the biggest star names – but they are one of the most efficient teams in Europe.
3. Team Esbjerg
Record: 9–1–4
Few teams finished the group phase stronger than Esbjerg.
After a slightly uneven start, the Danish side went 7–1 in their final eight games before the last round. The loss to Metz in the final match came in a game with nothing at stake.
The key remains obvious: Henny Reistad, the Champions League top scorer. When she is in rhythm, Esbjerg can beat anyone.
The goalkeeper duo Anna Kristensen and Katrine Filter has also been solid, while Nora Mørk and Michala Møller provide experience in decisive moments.
Next up: Podravka in the play-offs. On paper, a favourable draw.
4. Brest Bretagne Handball
Record: 11–3
Brest might have been the most entertaining attacking team in the group stage. No team scored more goals.
Before the narrow loss against FTC in Hungary, Brest had won seven straight matches. Their other defeats came away to CSM and surprisingly at home against Ikast.
The attack is full of weapons. Anna Vyakhireva is second in the Champions League scoring rankings, while Clarisse Mairot (54), Onacia Ondono (54), Pauletta Foppa (49) and Pauline Coatanea (41) have all contributed heavily.
However, Brest must now continue the season without Foppa, who is pregnant and out for the remainder of the campaign. Ondono has been excellent – but losing a world-class line player is never easy.
5. CSM București
Record: 10–4
Few teams changed their narrative as dramatically as CSM.
After four losses in the first six matches, the Romanian giants suddenly found their rhythm and finished with eight consecutive victories. That run included wins away at Odense and FTC and home victories against Brest and FTC.
Elisabeth Omoregie is fifth in the Champions League scoring rankings, while Gabriela Moreschi has been excellent in goal.
With stars like Anne Mette Hansen, Emma Friis, Tatjana Brnović, Đurđina Jauković and Trine Østergaard, the squad quality has never been the problem.
Now the form finally matches the talent.
6. Odense Håndbold
Record: 9–1–4
Odense looked like a top-four team early in the season – before injuries slowed them down.
Highlights included away wins against Ferencváros and CSM București, but there were also clear setbacks: the heavy home losses to Brest and CSM and the draw in Podravka.
Offensively, the Danish side still has plenty of firepower. Emma Halilcevic (67 goals), Thale Rushfeldt Deila (65) and Helene Fauske (54) lead the scoring, supported by Viola Leuchter and Andrea Hansen.
Goalkeepers Althea Reinhardt and Yara ten Holte will be crucial when Odense face Debrecen in the play-offs.
7. FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria
Record: 10–4
Ferencváros are difficult to rank.
At their best, they can challenge anyone – but the results against top teams have been mixed. Losses at home to Odense and CSM, as well as away defeats against Brest and CSM, show the inconsistency.
Still, the attacking talent is undeniable.
Petra Simon (67), Emily Bölk (66), Katrin Klujber (56) and Angela Malestein (51) give FTC one of the deepest offenses in the competition.
8. Gloria Bistrița
Record: 8–6
One of the pleasant surprises of the group phase. Bistrița finished fourth in their group and even managed to beat Esbjerg at home, showing they can compete with the elite teams on a good day.
The scoring has been led by Patricia Pintea Delgado (79 goals), Larissa Nüsser (57) and Lorena Ostase (55).
Under Spanish coach Carlos Viver, the Romanian side rely heavily on collective play. That makes them difficult to prepare for.
Ikast await in the play-offs – a very open tie.
9. Ikast Håndbold
Record: 8–6
Ikast have been one of the most unpredictable teams this season.
They produced impressive wins away at Brest and at home against CSM București, but otherwise struggled to consistently challenge the very top teams.
Julia Scaglione, third in the Champions League scoring rankings, is the main offensive engine. She is supported by Stine Skogrand (75 goals), Cecilie Brandt, Emma Lindqvist and Jamina Roberts.
If Ikast find consistency, they could still cause problems in the knockouts.
10. DVSC Schaeffler
Record: 6–8
Debrecen’s biggest moment came with the one-goal win against Győr – one of the biggest surprises of the group stage.
Apart from that, their campaign has largely followed expectations: wins against the teams they should beat, losses against the stronger sides.
Alicia Toublanc sits fourth in the Champions League scoring rankings, while Jessica Ryde has delivered several impressive goalkeeping performances.
They now face Odense in the play-offs – a difficult challenge.
11. Borussia Dortmund
Record: 4–10
Dortmund did what was necessary to progress, finishing slightly ahead of Storhamar and Budućnost.
The offense has been led by Alina Grijseels (55 goals) and Déborah Lassource (53), with additional scoring from Guro Nestaker (46) and Dana Bleckmann (37).
Still, against the elite teams they have struggled. The play-off tie against Ferencváros will be a major test.
12. HC Podravka Vegeta
Record: 3–1–10
Podravka started the season unbeaten in their first three matches – but those results came back in September. After that, victories were rare. Their next win only came months later against Krim.
Offensively, the Croatian side have struggled. They scored almost 100 fewer goals than the top attacking teams in the competition. Matea Pletikosić (73 goals), Tina Barišić (52) and Katarina Pandža (52) have carried the scoring load.
Against Esbjerg in the play-offs, Podravka enter as clear underdogs.