Storhamar win hard-fought Nordic clash, Thüringer victorious on the road

• Storhamar Handball Elite snatched a one-goal win (27:26) against Nykøbing Falster Håndbold, the runners-up in the EHF European League Women in 2023
• Nykøbing's line player Sofie Bardrum became the top scorer of the day with 10 goals, but her impact did not help her team take any points
• strong second-half performance lifted Thüringer HC to a seven-goal away victory at HC Lokomotiva Zagreb
• CS Gloria 2018 BN started their second ever European season by defeating MKS FunFloor Lublin
• Motherson Mosonmagyarovari KC proved to be too strong for CSM Targu Jiu, although the Romanian debutants fought hard

GROUP A

Nykøbing Falster Håndbold (DEN) vs Storhamar Handball Elite (NOR) 26:27 (10:12)

The Nordic clash was seen as one of the highlights of the opening round, and it indeed turned into an exciting battle. Nykøbing, who hoped to go far in the tournament again, were obviously determined to win at home, but Storhamar shocked them with a fiery start. The Norwegian team that often played seven against six in attack early into the match, took a 7:1 lead 10 minutes into the encounter. However, the hosts managed to improve their game narrowing the gap to just two goals at the half. After the break, Storhamar continued to dominate, but they mainly led by just two or three goals. An impact from line player Sofie Bardrum, who became a top scorer of the match with 10 goals (including three from penalty shots), kept Nykøbing in the game for a long time. However, when Olivia Lofqvist scored for 27:24 with 73 seconds to go, the deal was sealed, and the home team could only cut the deficit to one goal.

GROUP B

HC Lokomotiva Zagreb (CRO) vs Thüringer HC (GER) 21:28 (13:13)

The Croatian champions enjoyed the better start of the game, creating a 3:0 lead, but it did not take long for Thüringer to hit back at 5:5. However, the German team could not find consistency in the first half, as Zagreb used a 3:0 run to pull three goals clear again (12:9). Once again the visitors responded quickly, so the rivals were tied at the break. After the restart, Thüringer improved on the defensive side of the goal running away to 20:15 following a 5:0 scoring series. Their goalkeeper Dina Eckerle delivered a stunning performance stopping 53 per cent of shots heading her way, helping her team start the season with a victory.  

GROUP C

CS Gloria 2018 BN (ROU) vs MKS FunFloor Lublin (POL) 26:23 (13:10)

The Romanian side, who are playing a historic second season in European club competitions, started the season with a win. The visitors from Poland had the upper hand in the opening quarter of the match, yet they were unable to pull clear by more than two goals. Then, a 4:0 run helped Gloria turn the tide and take a 9:7 lead which they did not give up until the end. Right back Seynabou Mbengue scored eight goals, and goalkeeper Renata Lais stopped 38 per cent of shots, helping the team from Bistrita extend the gap to six goals (22:16) with only ten minutes left until the final buzzer. Lublin cut the deficit in the closing minutes, but it was not enough for them to claim any points in this one. 

GROUP D

Motherson Mosonmagyarovari KC (HUN) vs CSM Targu Jui (ROU) 33:27 (16:14)

For Targu Jiu, reaching the group stage in their rookie European campaign is already quite a milestone, and although the Romanians are aiming high, they are seen as underdogs in group D. However, they should be credited for fighting hard against Mosonmagyarovari KC, as this game was far from a walk in the park for the hosts. Early in the match, Targu Jiu led 5:3 following an impressive 5:0 run, and a good goalkeeping display by Ekaterina Dzhukeva, who ended the match with 15 saves. Mosonmagyarovar have more experience, but even after they extended the lead to 28:22 with 10 minutes to go, Targu Jiu did not give up slashing the gap to 30:27, not allowing the hosts to take their foot off the gas until the final whistle.