Muut

Team Esbjerg win all-Danish duel to reach quarter-finals of the Champions League

Michala Moller of Team Esbjerg in action during the match
Michala Moller of Team Esbjerg in action during the matchOrange Pictures, Orange Pics BV / Alamy / Profimedia
Thanks to another excellent performance by Henny Reistad, Team Esbjerg won the all-Danish duel against Odense Handball 32-23 to secure at least second spot in the group B in the EHF Champions League.

In a direct battle for second place in the group, Esbjerg managed to beat Odense for the second time this season, again by a nine goal difference.

The combination of competition's top scorer Henny Reisted and the goalkeeper and MVP of the EHF EURO 2024, Anna Kristensen, was vital for Esbjerg's success who got their revenge for a recent defeat in the Danish Kvindeligaen to Odense. 

Esbjerg had a bright start to the match as they took an early 4-0 lead as Odense struggled defensively.

Odense managed to narrow the gap by half-time as line player Maren Aardahl led the charge, but Esbjerg recovered their momentum and galloped to a 20-13 lead mid second half.

After securing a 39-30 win in the second round of the tournament, Esbjerg celebrated another convincing victory against a well-known rival, avenging their 24-33 defeat from four days before in the domestic league.

"First of all, it was a great atmosphere in the arena. It is always fun to play these kind of matches. I am extremely proud that we turned it around and we have been working hard on both tactical and emotional aspects", said Tomas Axnér, head coach of Team Esbjerg.