Team Esbjerg move into Champions League quarter-final for the fifth successive time
Svend Bertil Frandsen
Team Esbjerg on Sunday reached the quarter-finals of the women's Champions League for the fifth successive time when they defeated Croatian outfit HC Podravka at home 31-29 after also winning the first leg a week ago 37-26.
Esbjerg quickly settled into their stylish stride, and three goals by?Henny Reistad secured their 4-1 lead seven minutes into the match.
The Danish team was still leading by three goals (9-6) midway through the first, but then their mistakes allowed Podravka to score four unanswered goals, as the visitors turned the tide.
Katarina Pand?a scored four of her six goals before the break, and the Croatian side had a one-goal advantage after 30 minutes.
In the second half, Podravka continued to dominate proceedings and increased the gap to four goals, punishing Esbjerg for their mistakes. Team Esbjerg never looked in danger, but coach Tomas Axnér needed a timeout to cheer up his players.?
Esbjerg's goalkeeper Anna Kristensen, who replaced Katharina Filter late in the first half, stepped up between the posts, and her multiple saves helped the hosts turn things around and claim a win.
In the quarter-finals, Esbjerg will meet CSM Bucuresti, whom they eliminated at the same stage last season, 55-52 on aggregate
MentionsHandballChampions League WomenDenmarkGlobalKatarina PandzaHenny ReistadKatharina FilterAnna KristensenEsbjerg WPodravka W
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