SUMMARY: Brest wins the MOTW; Vipers and Ikast victorious

18:28

That will be it for this weekend! Thanks for being with us, and we hope to see you again next weekend. Until then, follow us to stay on track with all the latest news, stories and interviews. Have a great Sunday evening, and see you soon!

18:22

Today's win over Esbjerg means Krim are having their best season opening in ten years! With that in mind, here is what Tamara Mavsar had to say following the win in front of their fans: 

''Today's atmosphere looked a lot like the atmosphere we've had here in Stozice during the 2022 Women's EC. I can only add that I hope the fans will be there to support us moving forward as well. Regarding our today's display - I hope we'll keep on playing like this. I feel like this is just the beginning. We've managed to slow their offensive transition down which proved to be one of the keys to our victory here today. We were focused on ourselves playing exactly the way we agreed to from the very first until the very last minute!'', concluded Krim's very own Tamara Mavsar. 

18:18

As we're slowly closing the day, let's have one last look on all the results from this weekend!

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐒: 𝑹𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑫 2 has produced some epic matches and interesting scorelines! 🔥

Best team performance of the Round _____________? 👈#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/CGduMjt22j

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

18:10

A weekend full of excitement is now behind us! On Saturday, Brest celebrated in Sweden against Sävehof in the MOTW, and Vipers defeated FTC in the rematch of last season's EHF CLW final. Györ and Odense secured convincing wins against DVSC and Buducnost, while Rapid had to work extra hard for both points against Lublin. 
On Sunday, Bietigheim celebrated against CSM, Krim defeated Esbjerg, and Ikast secured another win - this time over Metz!

17:58

As always, our daily review has absolutely everything you need to know about the matches we've seen today. 

17:55

The last game of the round is now behind us, and here are the photos. 

17:40

After defeating the reigning EHF CLW champions Vipers Kristiansand in the opening round, Ikast proved that it was far from a coincidence with an amazing display and a win over Metz in France. Emma Friis led them in this one with nine goals from just as much attempts. Ingvild Bakkerud added eight, Marketa Jerabkova seven. When it comes to Metz, Kristina Jörgensen finished the game with seven goals, and Hatadou Sako had 16 saves. 

17:35 FULL-TIME

METZ HANDBALL - IKAST HANDBOLD 36:39

17:30

Irma Schjött keeps the gap wide open with this save!

𝑪𝑹𝑼𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳 save by Irma Schjött! 💪#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/DlHESNp0Qb

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

17:22

With ten minutes left, Ikast leads 32:34 in France! Metz is going to need more saves like this one in order to level the game again. 

𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑰𝑬𝑫 ❌☝️#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise | @MetzHandball pic.twitter.com/IzXoz8RooO

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

17:03

Under ten minutes into the second half and the result is levelled - 26:26! 

16:50

A high-scoring game so far in France in which neither team is really focusing on the defensive aspect of the game, but the transition which is functioning really well on both sides. An exciting second half is surely ahead of us. 

16:40 HALF-TIME

METZ HANDBALL - IKAST HANDBOLD 17:20

16:35

Fast-paced handball helps Ikast widen the gap in France!

Fast as lightning ⚡⚡#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/FCukSBw8DR

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

16:29

An absolutely beautiful move in the transition for Metz!

1-2 cha-cha-cha 💃#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/Fsztpiay59

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

16:25

What a game it has been so far! A perfect way to end another exciting EHF CLW handball weekend! 
The match is as narrow as it can be - with ten minutes left until the half-time buzzer the teams are levelled at 13:13. Kristina Jörgensen is shining with six for Metz, while Emma Friis has three when it comes to Ikast. 

16:12

Ten minutes into the game, Metz is 6:5 in front. Three goals already for Kristina Jörgensen!

16:01

We are NOT done yet! ☝️

Metz Handball vs Ikast Handbold now LIVE on EHFTV! 🔥#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/by5QxAiTWB

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

15:54

In France, teams are taking the court with just over five minutes left until the opening buzzer. Will Metz make it 2/2 after defeating FTC on the road in the first round, or will Ikast find a way to defeat the French team same way they surprised reigning EHF CLW champions in Round 1?

15:43

First two games of the day are now behind us, and here are some of the best photos from Ljubljana and Ludwigsburg. 

15:35

A five-goal win for Krim against Esbjerg in Ljubljana! Tamara Mavsar played an important role for her team finishing the game with five goals, while Jovanka Radicevic added just as much. Eight saves for Barbara Arenhart, and 2/2 for Krim this season!

In Germany seven goals for Xenia Smits and incredible 18 saves for Gabriela Goncalves Dias Moreschi! Laura Glauser has 16 on the other side, but that wasn't enough and CSM returns to Bucharest empty-handed. 

15:30 FULL-TIME

SG BBM BIETIGHEIM - CSM BUCURESTI 26:24

KRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA - TEAM ESBJERG 33:27

15:14

Both Krim and Bietigheim seem to be running away with the lead in these moments! +4 for Krim, and +5 for Bietigheim with just over 10 minutes left. Can Esbjerg or CSM make a late push and steal some points on the road?

15:05

Beautifully executed for CSM Bucuresti!

Picture-perfect playmaking! 🧠👏#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise | @csm_bucharest pic.twitter.com/FJVupVMI91

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

15:02

Two-goal lead for Krim (19:17), and a four-goal lead for Bietigheim at the moment (19:15). Just under 20 minutes to go until the final buzzer!

14:53

What a save!

Simply spectacular! 😱#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise | @csm_bucharest pic.twitter.com/HW2Dx6NOz1

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

14:42

A three-goal lead at the half for Krim that could have gone to the break with an even bigger lead, but Amalie Milling and Anna Opstrup Kristensen slowed Krim down. Esbjerg is however surely going to have to find a way to step it up in the second in case they want to fight for points in this one. 

In Bietigheim, the hosts have a 14:12 lead at the break. We're watching a real battle of goalkeepers with Gabriela Goncalves Dias Moreschi having seven for Bietigheim, and Laura Glauser having three more for CSM. 

14:35 HALF-TIME

SG BBM BIETIGHEIM - CSM BUCURESTI 14:12

KRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA - TEAM ESBJERG 15:12

14:28

With five minutes to go in the first, Krim has a 14:11 lead. Anna Opstrup Kristensen, and Amalie Milling are having a really good day so far being one of the key reasons why Krim hasn't managed to additionally widen the gap yet in the first. 

In Germany, Xenia Smits is leading Bietigheim with five goals so far. Currently, hosts are 12:11 in front. Laura Glauser has eight saves already for CSM. 

14:21

Beautiful move early in the game for Esbjerg!

That's a 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 finish! 👏#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise | @TeamEsbjerg pic.twitter.com/no5WYbiXDO

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 17, 2023

14:12

In Germany, Bietigheim leads CSM Bucuresti 6:5. Kaba Gassama Cissokho opened the game in a really good way with three early goals. 

14:08

A quality opening from Krim as the Slovenian team takes a 5:2 lead to open the game. Two goals for Tjasa Stanko and Daria Dimitrieva so far!

13:57

Only a few more minutes left until the opening buzzer in Ljubljana and Ludwigsburg! Teams are ready on the playing court!

13:37

A sneak peek into the warm-ups in Germany ahead of the game between Bietigheim and CSM. 

13:24

Ahead of the trip to Germany, Evelina Erikkson of CSM Bucuresti talked about the atmosphere within the team, and their expectations for the season ahead. 

13:15

In Ljubljana, both teams will be looking to make it 2/2 so far this season. Slovenian team will at home look for what would be their first win over Esbjerg since 2016. Their defense looked really good in the first round, and it will surely be interesting to see how good it will cope with Esbjerg's offense.

13:05

With only an hour left until the first games of the day, the live blog is back! We've got three games scheduled for today with Bietigheim hosting CSM, and Krim welcoming Esbjerg from 14.00 CET, as well as Metz hosting Ikast from 16.00 CET. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

20:50

That's going to be it for our daily live coverage! Five exciting games are now behind us, and we've got three more coming tomorrow! The live blog is going to be up and running again from 13.00 CET. Starting from 14.00 CET, Bietigheim will welcome CSM, and Krim will host Esbjerg. Later on (16.00 CET), Metz will welcome Ikast. See you tomorrow and have a great night ahead!

20:40

You already know it - in our daily review you can find everything you need to know about the matches you've seen today!

20:22

After the win over FTC, Lois Abbingh shared with us how much this win means after last weekend and the away loss against Ikast.

20:10

If you haven't already, and you'd like to receive all the important info right to your inbox, make sure to subscribe to our EHF Weekly Newletter. That way you're going to receive all the latest stories, exclusive interviews, and much more every Friday!

20:03

As we're slowly bringing our live coverage for the day to an end, we have to hear from Katharina Filter - Brest' goalkeeper, and our this round's MOTW MVP!

19:57

Last three games of the days are now behind us which means it's time to check out some of the best images from Odense, Bucharest, and Kristiansand. 

19:45

Vipers managed to defeat FTC in the rematch of the last season's EHF CLW final securing their first win of the season. Jana Knedlikova led them in this one with eight goals, while Jasmina Roberts added seven. 

Odense delivered one of their best EHF CLW performances ever defeating Buducnost 39:24. Bo Van Wetering led them with six goals, while Maren Nyland Aardahl and Malin Larsen Aune added five each. It was however an incredible team effort, especially in that first half during which they've already managed to secure points in this one. 

Finally, after trailing throughout the bigger part of the game, Rapid managed to secure points at home against Lublin. Orlane Kanor led them with seven goals, while Dorina Korsos added six. 

19:35 FULL-TIME

VIPERS KRISTIANSAND - FTC RAIL CARGO HUNGARIA 37:26

CS RAPID BUCURESTI - MKS ZAGLEBIE LUBLIN 26:25

ODENSE HANDBOLD - WHC BUDUCNOST BEMAX 39:24

19:25

It's a three-goal lead for Rapid heading into the final five minutes of the encounter. Odense has a 34:20 lead over Buducnost, and Vipers are leading FTC 35:26 at the moment. 

19:17

Magnificent save here from Barbara Zima as Lublin keeps close!

Shields 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 🛡 Barbara Zima#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/wGlsGVpb48

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

19:10

With about 15 minutes to go, Rapid overtakes the lead at 21:20 in Bucharest! Dorina Korsos is leading their attack in this one with five goals so far!

19:00

Vipers widen the gap to ten goal only five minutes into the second forcing the guest-team coach to call for a timeout and try to bring his team back up. Lublin is, on the other hand, still in front in Bucharest (16:18). Adrianna Gorna is having an amazing game with six goals from just as much attempts. Will they manage to hold on to the lead until the end?

18:50

What a way to put an end to an amazing half!

There's no better way to end the first half than with an impressive goal 👏

Larissa Nüsser ⚡#clw #ehfcl #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/hyikhouXsi

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

18:40 HALF-TIME

VIPERS KRISTIANSAND - FTC RAIL CARGO HUNGARIA 19:15

CS RAPID BUCURESTI - MKS ZAGLEBIE LUBLIN 12:14

ODENSE HANDBOLD - WHC BUDUCNOST BEMAX 25:8

18:32

What a save from Armelle Attingre!

𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍: 💯

Watch this amazing save by Armelle Attingré 💫#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/JT2wMerpo7

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

18:21

What a way to open the game for Odense! The result is 11:3 at the moment as Dione Housheer leads them with four goals from just as much attempts. Yara Ten Holte already has six saves. In Bucharest, Rapid is two goals behind Lublin (7:9). 

18:15

Vipers and FTC are currently levelled at 8:8, but what an assist it was from Anna Vyakhireva.

Surprise your opponent: 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 ✅

Anna Vyakhireva for @VipersKrSand 😵#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/Bthshw6b2E

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

18:05

It's a 4:2 Vipers lead five minutes into the encounter. In Denmark, Odense leads 2:1. Lublin is, on the other hand, 0:2 ahead in Bucharest against Rapid. 

17:55

We've got three more games coming up! Odense will welcome Buducnost, Rapid will host Zaglebie, and Kristiansand will, in the rematch of the last season's EHF CLW final welcome FTC!

17:45

May we present you with some of the best photos from our first two games of the day!

17:40

One of the main reasons why Brest managed to reach a comfortable win in Sweden is Valeriia Maslova. Here is why.

Oh là là 🤯 Valeriia Maslova leaving us speechless with these goals 😶#clw #ehfcl #DareToRise | @BBH_Officiel pic.twitter.com/Ra2vHc3DNm

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

17:35

Six goals for Emilie Hovden, 11 saves for Sandra Toft as Györ cruises past DVSC in the Hungarian derby of this EHF CLW round. For DVSC, Jovana Jovovic and Liliana Csernyanszki netted four each. 

17:30 FULL-TIME

IK SÄVEHOF - BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL 20:25

Katharina Filter wins the MOTW MVP title after grabbing 15 saves, and saving over 48% of shots heading her way as Brest Bretagne reaches an away win over Sävehof. Valeriia Maslova scores five for Brest, Emma Mihailovic and Thea Kylberg four each for hosts. 

GYÖRI AUDI ETO KC - DVSC SCHAEFFLER 35:23

17:20

A five-goal lead for Brest with less than five minutes to go in our this round's MOTW. In Hungary, Györ has a comfortable eight-goal lead. 

17:10

A save that surely brings your whole team up!

Wait for the jump 😱#ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/iOW83Nom6t

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

17:00

Ten minutes into the second half, Brest has a comfortable six-goal lead in Sweden as Toublanc and Jaukovic lead them with three goals each. On the other side, five goals for Emilie Hovden as Györ leads 19:11 at home. 

16:50

As we're waiting for the first whistle of the second half, let's have a look at this great shot by Jenny Helen Carlson.

Now 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻 was quick ☄️

Jenny Helen Carlson for @BBH_Officiel 👏🏼#clw #ehfcl #DareToRIse pic.twitter.com/1KgVUGimGl

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

16:40

Swedish team has a lot to talk about in case they want to narrow the gap and get back into this one in the second half as they've experienced way too many problems dealing with French team's defense, especially in the opening part of the first. The fact that Katharina Filter already has nine saves between the posts for Brest Bretagne is not working in favor of the home team either. 

On the other hand, a four-goal lead for Györ at home against DVSC. Ana Gros and Emilie Hovden are leading them with three goals each so far. 

16:35 HALF-TIME

IK SÄVEHOF - BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL 9:15

GYÖRI AUDI ETO KC - DVSC SCHAEFFLER 14:10

16:31

Plays like this one appear to be the only way for Sävehof to get past Brest. What an assist from Emma Mihailovic.

Assist without looking? 🫣 Say no more 👇🏼

🔥 Emma Mihailovic | @IK_Savehof #ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/quTAgmPsIX

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 16, 2023

16:23

It's a 4:9 Brest leading going into the final ten minutes of the game as Sävehof really struggles to get past their defense, and find a way to put the ball into the net. 

16:20

In Hungary, Sandra Toft is dominating the game with five saves already as Györ leads 7:5. Toft finished the Round 1 game in the best possible way stopping Brest's last-second attempt to tie the game and, as we can see, that was no coincidence as Toft appears to be in great form early in the season. 

16:18

Midway through the first, the guests are 4:7 in front in Sweden. Alicia Toublanc, and Pauletta Foppa are leading them with two goals each. Olivia Mellegard netted two for Sävehof. 

16:05

Five minutes into the game in Sweden, we're witnessing a real battle of defenses. The result is 0:2 in favor of the guests with Sävehof still looking for a way through the French team's defense. 

16:00

The matches are underway! The hosts will have the first possession in Sweden. 

15:53

With just over five minutes left until the opening whistle, the atmosphere is heating up in Sweden and Hungary. Here is the list of all the fixtures awaiting for us in the EHF CLW Round 2!

Round 2 to continue enjoying the best competition on the planet! #ehfcl #CLW 🔥⚠️#MOTW 🌟 | IK Sävehof 🇸🇪 vs Brest Bretagne Handball 🇫🇷

Which game will you watch 📺? pic.twitter.com/Jwp6tNLyRZ

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) September 15, 2023

15:42

In the MOTW, both teams will be aiming to put an end to their four-game losing streak in the EHF Champions League Women. If we take a sneak peek at the history books, and the chapter that talks about the encounters between Sävehof and Brest, we'll see that the French team managed to come out with a victory in every single duel between the two teams so far. Will the Swedish team manage to put an end to their winning series today? We'll find out pretty soon!

15:35

We've got two games coming up from 16.00 CET - the MOTW in Partille, Sweden between Sävehof and Brest Bretagne, as well as the Hungarian clash between Györ and DVSC. Ahead of the game against their national rivals, Rinka Duijndam said that the games between national rivals on the European level are always special. 

15:20

Hello everyone! Welcome to the live coverage of the second round of the EHF Champions League Women group phase in the 2023/24 season. As we're heating up for a busy Saturday ahead of us, check out our round preview that contains everything you need to know heading into the eight-game EHF CLW weekend. Also, we've spent some time with Johanna Bundsen ahead of the Round 2 MOTW in which Sävehof will welcome Brest Bretagne.