Györ and Metz stay perfect; Nordic teams claim away wins

• 13 saves and a 37 per cent save efficiency from Eli Marie Raasok powered Storhamar to a 26:22 win at Dortmund
  
  
• six players netted three times for Dortmund, but none of their teammates scored more goals
  
  
• eight goals from Tabea Schmid helped Esbjerg grab two points at Debrecen
• Metz claimed their biggest victory in the current EHF Champions League season, by 20 goals, with Tyra Axner being their top scorer with seven goals
  
  
• Hatadou Sako stopped 17 balls for nearly a 49 per cent save rate, helping Györ take a commanding win against Bistrita
  
  
• Bistrica suffered their biggest defeat in the continental top flight, by 15 goals, and scored the smallest amount of goals in a match at this level, just 18
  
  
• debutants Sola HK are still without points, after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat in the tournament

GROUP A

BV Borussia Dortmund (GER) vs Storhamar Handball Elite (NOR) 22:26 (9:11)

H2H: 0-0-1
Top scorers: Pernille Brandenborg 6/7 (Storhamar Handball Elite), Alina Grijseels 3/5 (BV Borussia Dortmund), Alicia Langer 3/6 (BV Borussia Dortmund), Kelly Vollebregt 3/5 (BV Borussia Dortmund), Guro Nestaker 3/4 (BV Borussia Dortmund), Lara Egeling 3/5 (BV Borussia Dortmund), Dana Bleckmann 3/7 (BV Borussia Dortmund)
 
Two teams were levelled at two points before the game, but Storhamar had boasted the best defence in the competition – in stark contrast to Dortmund. The Norwegian side's Eli Marie Raasok has been one of the best goalkeepers of the current EHF Champions League season so far, and she showed her quality once again at Dortmund. The home side scored their first goal only in the eighth minute, as Alina Grijseels converted a penalty shot. However, Dortmund goalkeeper Sarah Wachter also did quite well, and neither team could deliver a goal between the 17th and 25th minute, as the score remained unchanged at 7:7. Then Veronika Mala spurred Storhamar's 4:0 run, but Dortmund cut the gap to two goals at half-time and drew level at 17:17 midway through the second. However, some more saves from Raasok helped the Nordic side pull clear at 24:19 with eight minutes to go, and Dortmund, who had just 31 per cent attack efficiency in this match, had no time and energy to hit back.

DVSC Schaeffler (HUN) vs Team Esbjerg (DEN) 29:32 (14:15)

H2H: 0-0-1
Top scorers: Tabea Schmid 8/8 (Team Esbjerg), Jovana Jovovic 6/7 (DVSC Schaeffler)
 
Esbjerg had a slight advantage early in the match and opened a 6:5 lead in the ninth minute, but then Debrecen turned the tide, as a 4:0 run in the next 10 minutes handed them a 9:6 advantage. However, the Danish side changed their defence to 5:1, and in attack, line player Tabea Schmid took the initiative. It helped the visitors get back on track, as they created a one-goal advantage at half-time (15:14). Schmid continued to show her fire power after the break, and so did Esbjerg stars Nora Mørk and Henny Reistad, securing their team a four-goal lead at 21:17. Nevertheless, Debrecen did not give up and closed the gap to just one goal on a few occasions, last at 26:25 with 10 minutes to go. But goalkeeper Anna Kristensen made some crucial saves late in the match, and Mørk had an impact with both goals and assists, so the Danish team grabbed a three-goal victory.

Metz Handball (FRA) vs OTP Group Buducnost (MNE) 38:18 (20:11)

H2H: 7-0-10
Top scorers: Tyra Axner 7/12 (Metz Handball), Jelena Vukcevic 4/9 (OTP Group Buducnost)
 
While Metz had the maximum of six points after three matches, Buducnost had no points under their belt. However, in the opening 10 minutes, this difference could hardly be noticed on the court, as the rivals traded goals and took turns in the lead. But propelled by Lucie Granier's goals, the home side then enjoyed a 5:1 run, pulling clear and forcing Buducnost's coach Zoran Abramovic to take a timeout. It was not of much help, as Metz gained momentum and continued to dominate. Their goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen did a very good job, and her nine saves in the first half helped the French side create a nine-goal gap at the interval, 20:11. After the break, Metz showed no signs of slowing down, as 11 of their players netted at least once throughout the game. Tyra Axner, Sarah Bouktit, Lucie Granier and Lena Grandveau had a special impact, combining for 25 goals, while Bundsen boasted a 44 per cent save rate before being substituted by Sabina Novotna late in the game.

Györi Audi ETO KC (HUN) vs Gloria Bistrita (ROU) 33:18 (18:9)

H2H: 1-0-0
Top scorers: Csenge Fodor 8/8 (Györi Audi ETO KC), Asuka Fukita 4/7 (Gloria Bistrita)
 
Just like Metz, reigning champions Györ earned their fourth straight win in the current tournament, beating their Romanian rivals with ease. The Hungarian heavyweights enjoyed an impressive start, taking a 5:0 lead before Bistrita finally scored their first goal in the ninth minute. Emilie Hovden and Csenge Fodor combined for five goals in 11 minutes, and Hatadou Sako made a string of saves, helping Györ extend the gap to 8:1. While the visitors somewhat improved their efficiency in attack, the hosts went on to dominate, imposing their rhythm on the Romanian team, so their nine-goal lead at half-time looked well-deserved. Then the hosts opened the second half with a 4:0 run and never looked back, as Sako continued to stand like a wall and deny Bistrita's players time after time.

GROUP B

Sola HK (NOR) vs Ikast Håndbold (DEN) 22:31 (15:14)

H2H: 0-0-3
Top scorers: Dina Klungtveit Olufsen 7/9 (Sola HK), Lærke Nolsøe Pedersen 7/8 (Ikast Håndbold (DEN)
 
In the end, Ikast claimed a confident nine-goal lead, their third in the competition, but in the first half it looked like Sola might grab their maiden points at this level. The Danish team made too many defensive mistakes, which were punished by the Norwegian visitors, who led by three goals quite a number of times. Filippa Idehn, who started the game on Ikast's goal, made just one save, but after she was substituted by Amalie Milling shortly before the break, the home team's goalkeeping improved a lot. Milling ended the game with 13 saves and nearly a 57 per cent save rate, and her heroics combined with the attacking impact of Lærke Nolsøe Pedersen and Julie Scaglione helped Ikast turn things around. Midway through the second, they were already in front by five goals, and while Sola did not give up, the Danish side ultimately clinched a commanding win.