SUMMARY: CSM defeat Krim; Vipers, Bietigheim and FTC complete quarter-final lineup

• leg 2 of the EHF Champions League Women play-offs
• on Saturday: titleholders Vipers Kristiansand tied vs DVSC 27:27 and secured their fourth consecutive quarter-final thanks to a late goal by Lois Abbingh (aggregate 56:55)
• on Sunday, Bietigheim drew at Ikast (31:31) in MOTW to qualify to the quarter-finals (60:58 on aggregate)
• CSM took a 30:24 win on home court against Krim to secure another quarter-final berth (60:48 on aggregate)
• FTC won 31:26 in France and grabbed the last quarter-final ticket (59:56 on aggregate against Brest)
• all matches streamed live on EHFTV (geo-restrictions apply); highlights available on Home of Handball YouTube channel
• read the round preview and check the knockout schedule
• follow the official EHF Champions League socials on Instagram , X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook
• all photos courtesy of the home teams

Sunday 24 March

20:12

We’re wrapping up the live blog and the play-offs with the day review of today’s matches!

Yesterday, Vipers managed to secure their quarter-final spot after defeating DVSC on aggregate, while Bietigheim, CSM and FTC also joined the lineup on Sunday. The first leg of the quarter-finals will be played on 27/28 April and the following weekend, 4/5 May, is reserved for the reverse fixtures. Full schedule will be available here.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this action-packed weekend! Have a good night!

19:53

Qualifying to the EHF Champions League quarter-finals looks like this!

19:44

Let's see what the teams had to say after today's matches:

Gabriela Moreschi, goalkeeper, SG BBM Bietigheim: “In both matches we played at a very high level. We have a lot of respect for Ikast, they are very good and we knew we had to play at the top level, I think we did what we planned to do, so we are very satisfied.”

Adrian Vasile, head coach, CSM Bucuresti: “For me, respect is the keyword between these two teams. We are the ones leaving the arena to go to the quarter-finals, but it was not very easy for us, we struggled in the attack in the first half, but I think we didn't give them hope in the game, we wanted to finish the match like winners and enjoy handball!”

19:29 | FULL-TIME

BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL VS FTC-RAIL CARGO HUNGARIA 26:31 (12:16)

It was an incredible battle for the last quarter-final spot! FTC continue on the Golden Road to Budapest to meet Esbjerg in the next phase. Even though Brest started the weekend as favourites after their 30:28 win in the first leg, their efforts in the defence weren't enough today to stop the Hungarians.

19:16

Five goals down (27:22) and five minutes left. Brest are running out of time and they can only hope now to get this match to penalty throws. 

19:10

Every goal counts in this match! Angela Malestein brought her A-game today and is the top scorer for the Hungarian side with eight goals. It's currently 25:21 for the guests, with less than 10 minutes to go.

19:04

FTC can't seem to create a safe distance ahead of Brest, as the French stay two or three goals behind. A shot by Angela Malestein takes FTC to four goals in front (21:17) and we're midway through the second half.

18:52

Ahead of the weekend, Valeriia Maslova was among the top scorers of the competition with 94 goals. She's netted six times today, which takes her to 100 goals this season! Amazing performance, as Brest reduce the gap to 17:15.

18:48

In the first leg, FTC were also leading at the break, but the French managed to make a comeback at the time and grab a win (30:28). Can they do that again today?

We're about to find out, as the match resumes in Brest!

18:35 | HALF-TIME

BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL VS FTC-RAIL CARGO HUNGARIA 12:16

18:30

We're back to a two-goal difference (14:12), which is not exactly the ideal situation for the guests. FTC need to pick up the pace in order to increase the gap and overcome the goal deficit from the first leg. Last week's stars Valeriia Maslova and Andrea Lekic are both key players in attack, with four and three goals, respectively. 

Four minutes left until the break!

18:21

It's a good match so far for FTC, who put pressure on their hosts and lead by five goals at the moment (12:7). Not an ideal first half for the French and Brest ask for a timeout, as head coach Pablo Morel is looking for solutions to bounce back.

18:10

FTC take an early two-goal lead, with Katrin Klujber and Andrea Lekic leading the Hungarian attack. It's a fast-paced game so far and the French hosts manage to stay close to their guests (6:4).

18:01

The game is underway and FTC have the first attack!

17:53

The match in Arena de Brest will start soon and here are the players on which head coach Pablo Morel can count today.

17:45

Heading to France for the final match of the play-offs between Brest Bretagne and FTC, which starts at 18:00 CET. One week ago, the Hungarians lost their one-goal advantage at the break and were narrowly defeated in Erd Arena (28:30). The numbers aren’t on FTC’s side today either, as they have never managed to win an away match against Brest. 

Follow the live stream on EHFTV (geo-blocking may apply) and find out who will get to face Esbjerg in the quarter-finals.

17:38

A powerful attack paired with a strong defence helped CSM secure their presence in the quarter-finals, where they will have to get past Metz on the Golden Road to Budapest. Cristina Neagu stole the spotlight again with seven goals, while Laura Glauser saved 14 shots (40 per cent efficiency) to lead her team to a win.

17:27 | FULL-TIME

CSM BUCURESTI VS KRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA 30:24 (14:13)

17:26

It's just a matter of time until the hosts can officially celebrate grabbing their quarter-final ticket. With two minutes left on the clock, it's hard for Krim to continue fighting and reduce the current four-goal gap (28:24). Another save from Laura Glauser makes the Slovenians' job even harder.

17:19

CSM Bucuresti have made it to the quarter-finals of the EHF Champions League in the previous eight seasons and they are heading in the same direction once again. The Romanian hosts currently lead 24:20, with Cristina Neagu reaching seven goals scored. The advantage from the first leg is definitely reassuring for the home team, as it would take a miracle for Krim to make such a strong comeback in the remaining eight minutes of the match.

17:07

There have been a few attacks with no goals on either side, and now it's CSM's turn to stop for a timeout. Adi Vasile's team seems to have lost focus in the last minutes, which helped Krim take the score to 19:19.

16:56

Difficult start for Krim in the second half. CSM increase the gap to four goals (18:14) and it's a timeout for the Slovenians, who really need to get their head back in the game.

16:47

As we're waiting for the match in Bucharest to restart, let's take a look at some numbers. Jovanka Radicevic and Daria Dmitrieva lead Krim's attack with five and three goals, respectively. Laura Flippes and Vilde Ingstad are currently at three goals each in the first half, while last week's Player of the Match Cristina Neagu sits with only two goals so far.

16:40 | HALF-TIME

CSM BUCURESTI VS KRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA 14:13

Despite Krim's chance of going into the second half ahead of CSM, the Romanians still kept control of the game and scored through Ingstad to secure a one-goal advantage at the break.

16:35

One minute left and Krim have the attack! It's 13:13 at the moment and the Slovenians ask for a timeout. They have a good chance of ending this first half with an advantage.

16:28

Several missed opportunities for CSM and Krim get the match back to square one. However, the Romanians net quickly to restore their advantage (11:10).

16:23

Still two goals behind, Krim are trying to find ways to get past the Romanian defence. It won't be an easy job, as Laura Glauser has been great between the posts so far!

Adi Vasile calls for a timeout in hopes of increasing the gap to Krim.

16:14

CSM are determined to offer their Romanian fans a wonderful show today!

16:11

Ten minutes in and CSM manage to distance themselves to two goals (5:3). An error on the Romanian side gives Krim the opportunity to score and reach 5:4.

15:58

Just a few moments away from throw-off!

15:51

We're now moving to Bucharest, where CSM welcome Krim in an intense game that starts at 16:00 CET.

The Romanians managed to get the largest win in the first leg of the play-offs, after defeating Krim 30:24 in Slovenia. Thus, it’s going to be a difficult mission for Krim this afternoon, as they have to overcome the six-goal deficit in front of the crowd in Bucharest.

If the Slovenians fail to qualify in the quarter-finals today, it’ll be the second consecutive season in which they lose against a Romanian team at this stage of the competition. Last year, Rapid Bucuresti narrowly won 54:53 on aggregate against Krim in the play-offs to snatch a quarter-final ticket.

15:46

A well-deserved Player of the Match award for Gabriela Moreschi, who celebrates qualifying to the quarter-finals with Bietigheim. They will face Odense on the Golden Road to Budapest.

15:33 | FULL-TIME

MOTW: IKAST HANDBOLD VS SG BBM BIETIGHEIM 31:31 (13:18)

Xenia Smits missed a shot at 30:30, which gave Ikast the opportunity to retake the lead. However, Bietigheim kept their cool and netted quickly to take the score to 31:31 and secure their first quarter-final berth in the EHF Champions League!

15:27

And Ikast level the game (30:30) with less than three minutes left on the clock!

15:21

The clock is ticking and that's putting even more pressure on Ikast. They are now dangerously close to Bietigheim (28:27), but let's also keep in mind the two-goal difference from the first leg, in favour of the Germans!

15:16

Bietigheim have taken advantage of their opponents' mistakes throughout the game, which helped them stay in control. Here's an example:

15:08

Jakob Vestergaard calls for a timeout, as Ikast get closer and are now only two goals behind, compared to five earlier. A goal from Dorottya Faluvégi increases Bietigheim's lead to three (25:22).

15:00

Ikast's form on home court this season has been nearly perfect, suffering only one defeat, when they welcomed Esbjerg. Interestingly, Bietigheim have lacked in performance in their away games since the start of the season, but they definitely came to Denmark motivated and willing to grab their first quarter-final ticket.

No major changes in the game after the break, as the guests are still in the lead (23:18).

14:52

The second half starts in Denmark and Ikast have 30 minutes to try and turn the match in their favour. Will they be able to do it?

14:40 | HALF-TIME

MOTW: IKAST HANDBOLD VS SG BBM BIETIGHEIM 13:18

It wasn't the first half Ikast hoped for! Despite a promising start from the Danish side, Kasper Christensen's team couldn't stay ahead for long and Bietigheim quickly picked up the pace to take the lead. Goalkeepers Irma Schjött and Gabriela Moreschi are both key players today, but Bietigheim rely on a stonger attack due to Antje Döll and Xenia Smits' performances, with four goals each in the first half.

14:31

Five minutes left until the break and Ikast can't seem to find and keep a steady rhythm. They have managed to reduce the gap to one goal a few times, but Bietigheim are one step ahead and keep their lead. Ingvild Bakkerud and Antje Döll are top scorers of their teams at the moment. It's 15:13 for the guests.

14:21

Before the second leg of the play-offs, Gabriela Moreschi was the second best goalkeeper in the standings, with 31 per cent save efficiency. She seems to be in top form today as well, managing six crucial saves so far to get Bietigheim to a 11:9 lead.

14:15

A series of mistakes from Ikast gave Bietigheim the opportunity to recover and level the match to 7:7. A wonderful goal from Antje Döll helps the Germans take the lead midway through the first half (8:7)!

14:07

Both teams missed their first attacks in the game, but Ikast finally opened the score with a goal from Markéta Jerábková. The hosts have already managed to distance themselves to two goals after the first six minutes (4:2).

14:00

And the MOTW is underway, with the guests having the first possession!

13:52

Less than 10 minutes left until the first whistle and that’s plenty of time for you to check out the key numbers for our MOTW! Julian Rux has analysed the data for Ikast and Bietigheim, gathered since the start of the season, and provided a few insights which might be decisive in today’s game.

13:40

The teams have already started warming up, as the arena is still waiting for all fans to arrive. 20 minutes to go until throw-off, so make sure to follow the MOTW live on EHFTV (geo-restrictions may apply).

13:30

Speaking of Bietigheim, you might also want to take a look at the latest episode of “The Spin” podcast, which features the German left back Xenia Smits:

13:17

The tension is high in Denmark, where Ikast welcome Bietigheim in the MOTW at 14:00 CET. The Germans traveled to IBF Arena with high hopes for today after last week’s hard-fought win on home court. A superb performance from Xenia Smits, who netted eight times, helped Bietigheim erase Ikast’s three-goal advantage in the second half and finish with a 29:27 victory.

It’s going to be a difficult match for both former EHF European League winners ⎯ Ikast in 2023 and Bietigheim the year before ⎯ and Jakob Vestergaard is well aware of that. At the helm of Bietigheim since last summer, Vestergaard has vast coaching experience, which also includes two previous stints at Ikast. 

Here’s what the Danish coach has to say about the MOTW:

13:08

Welcome back to the last day of the EHF Champions League play-offs! On Saturday, Györ found out their quarter-final opponents after Vipers’ Lois Abbingh scored a last-minute goal to tie 27:27 against DVSC (56:55 on aggregate). 

We’ve got a full schedule ahead of us, with three intense battles for the remaining quarter-final tickets. By the end of the day we will find out who joins Odense, Metz and Esbjerg on the Golden Road to Budapest. 

Read everything you need to know about today’s games in our preview:

Saturday 23 March

20:48

And as far as our today's live blog, that's it.

But make sure you join us again on Sunday at 13:00 CET for the remaining three second leg matches. Starting at 14:00 CET Match of the Week Ikast - Bietigheim, at 16:00 CET CSM - Krim and finally at 18:00 CET Brest - FTC.

It will be an action-packed day, and we also have The Spin episode with Xenia Smits to prepare you for the matches, as well as the Stats Counter and MOTW feature.

See you tomorrow!

20:45

Adrian Costeiu brings you the review of today's shock match in Kristiansand.

20:41

And here are the reactions from DVSC's head coach. Understandably, he's disappointed having come so close to knocking out the current champions, but also he's proud of his players.

20:19

Surely it must be nice to be Lois Abbingh these days. Last week she scored 13 goals, and today eight, including the one that sent her team to the quarter-finals.

20:06

Relive this crazy comeback from Vipers on our YouTube channel:

20:03

...and sadness and tears.

20:00

This is handball. This is life. Happiness and smiles...

19:50

As I've mentioned at the end of the first half, someone would have to join Anna Vyakhireva on the offensive end. Lois Abbingh jumped in by scoring six goals in the second half, eight in total. Vyakhireva added another five to end the match with 10, making her the top scorer of the competition at this moment (103).

Szabó couldn't keep the same level as in the first 20 minutes. She finished the game with eight goals, and Töpfner followed with five for DVSC. Bartulovic stopped at 12 saves, with Lunde saving 10 shots for the home side.

Once again, we can say that experience prevailed in favour of Vipers. They were so close to being eliminated in front of their home fans, but instead celebrated a sweet victory in the dying seconds.

19:41

Here's that magical goal from Abbingh which sent the home crowd into raptures.

19:40

DVSC will be bitterly disappointed not to have secured at least the penalty shoot-out, having lead the vast majority of this match. Several times they were five goals to the good, the last time at 20:15 in the second half. The Hungarian team played pretty well in the first leg as well and have every right to feel aggrieved having let this opportunity slip.

But, all credit to Vipers who have yet again clawed their way back. In the first leg they recovered from four goals down to secure a valuable single goal advantage, while today they came back from a deficit of five goals! Champion-like effort, that's for sure.

In the quarter-finals Vipers will play Györ, group A winners on 27/28 April and 4/5 May.

19:35

Wow, what a finish! Half a minute to go DVSC were a goal in front (27:26) after Gabriel made a terrific save, and they ended up with nothing.

Szabó went for it, but missed from outside before Hlavatý called for a timeout. Literally five seconds until the final buzzer, Lois Abbingh - first leg's hero - found the net from nine metres to send Vipers through to the quarter-finals! Incredible. DVSC's players couldn't believe it.

19:30 | FULL-TIME

VIPERS KRISTIANSAND - DVSC SCHAEFFLER 27:27

It's all over, Abbingh's wonder goal in the final seconds put Vipers in the quarter-finals!

19:25

Two minutes to go, it's 26:26 after goals from Vyakhireva and Mira Vámos. 

19:21

Final six minutes and again it's tied, 25:25. Vipers scored two in a row (Abbingh, Knedlikova), before Planeta levelled it from distance. EHF Champions League drama at its best! And it's still not over.

19:18

Vyakhireva has scored again for Vipers' first lead of the match, but it was short-lived as Grosch and Töpfner turned it around (23:24).

19:14 

Just as I've published the previous entry, Abbingh scored from her own half into an empty net to level the match (21:21). Töpfner is once more cold-blooded from the penalty shot, but Vyakhireva reacts with a quick goal, her eighth of the match. All is level again (22:22).

Oh, and Vyakhireva has broken the 100-goal mark this season. She's on 101 right now, more than any other player.

19:12 | Vipers are back in it!

And now a splendid individual act from Vyakhireva to level this tie on aggregate! DVSC hold on to a single goal lead (21:20), but the total score is now equal because Vipers won the first leg by one goal. We're in for a dramatic conclusion, for sure! Only 13 minutes remaining.

19:11

Vipers are on a 4-1 run now so it's only a two-goal game! DVSC still in front, 21:19, but the magic from Szabó and Vamos has disappeared and the defence is not so stable anymore.

19:04 | Stat alert

One statistical element is quite telling. Vipers have made 11 technical faults as opposed to DVSC's four.

19:00

Another monumental save from Bartulovic! Abbingh fails to outsmart the Croatian international from the penalty shot and soon after Grosch scores from the fast break. DVSC still with a commanding lead, 20:15. Nine minutes gone in the second half.

18:54

Again a touch of class from Szabó. A magnificent goal from nine metres with DVSC suffering from two suspensions, but playing with an extra attacking player in that particular case. Schulze and Abbingh narrow it down to four, but DVSC run away to a five-goal lead once more, 18:13.

18:50

Play is resumed in Kristiansand, let's see what the next 30 minutes have in store for us here.

18:40

Nina Szabó was exceptional in the first half. Even when she went goalless in the final 11 minutes of the first period, DVSC managed to even further pull away from Vipers.

18:37 | HALF-TIME

VIPERS KRISTIANSAND - DVSC SCHAEFFLER 10:15

It's been possibly the best half of the season from DVSC and probably the worst from Vipers. The triple reigning champions have it all to do in the final 30 minutes as they trail by five goals. Gabrijela Bartulovic made two important saves in the final moments of the first half, while Töpfner again converted the penalty shot to make it 15:10.

Szabó with six goals and Bartulovic with nine saves (47 per cent efficiency) lead the way for the guests. Vyakhireva scored five times for Vipers, but someone will have to join her after the break.

18:31 | Worrying times for Vipers

Lunde with a huge save from Szabó's shot, but Arcos Poveda fails to convert her attacking play. Vipers can't seem to string a few good plays and the punishment arrives pretty soon. Töpfner scores from the wing and the score now says 14:9 in favour of DVSC! Worrying times for the current champions.

18:23 | DVSC's biggest lead

In the whole first match Nina Szabó scored six goals. She's equalled that performance after 19 minutes of the second leg! She's unstoppable and Vipers simply don't know how to contain her. Now Alexandra Töpfner, who converted more penalty shots in the group phase than any other player, netted from seven metres for 11:7, DVSC's biggest lead so far.

18:21

Vyakhireva and Abbingh try to keep Vipers close, but Szabó is determined to keep DVSC as far away from them as possible. She scores her fifth goal, the score is 9:7 to the guests.

18:15

After several minutes Vipers finally find the net to reduce their gap to 5:3 (Næs Andersen). Szabó responded with already her third goal of the match to make it 6:3. Given that Vipers are seriously struggling right now, DVSC probably feel they could have had an even larger advantage. First timeout by the home coach Tomás Hlavatý.

18:09

Goalkeepers are beginning to find their rhythm. Katrine Lunde with four saves already, Gabrijela Bartulovic with two. Now Petra Vamos netted for DVSC and they lead 4:2.

18:06

Just for the record, Petra Vamos is back in action for DVSC, while Konszuéla Hámori is still out. The guests lead 3:2 after six minutes.

18:03

The deadlock is broken by two quick goals from Nina Szabó for DVSC's lead before Anna Vyakhireva scored her 94th goal of the season for Vipers. She's now tied at the top of the competition's scorers list with Valeriia Maslova.

18:00

Preparations are over, the match in Norway is on. Let the race to the quarter-finals resume!

17:58

Home fans in Aquarama Kristiansand are in full voice as we're about to start the match!

17:50

The teams are warming up with only 10 minutes to go until the throw-off.

17:40

From the Hungarian point of view, their EHF Champions League campaign has been a success this season. They've got nothing to lose from now on.

"We played a match with a sensational atmosphere on Sunday against Vipers, no matter what happens in the second leg, it will remain a wonderful memory forever. I would like us to take with us everything that we showed in the home game. We will need the enthusiasm, the uncompromising game that we produced in Debrecen. We are prepared for the second leg, we have to correct the mistakes we made at home. If we can play as well as at home, then we can do it...", said DVSC's goalkeeper Catherine Gabriel.

It needs to be said that DVSC were heavily weakened in the first leg, playing without the injured duo Konszuéla Hámori and Petra Vamos.

17:36

Vipers' coach Tomás Hlavatý acknowledges his team were not at their best in Debrecen and expects a better performance today.

"We have worked hard to get even better, and we felt in the away game that we still have a little more to go. We are even better than what we were able to show. We will be ready from the first second to show what we are good for. It becomes important that we focus on ourselves and that we do the work we have to do. Together with a packed Aquarama, we can create a fantastic Saturday evening!"

17:33

It's important to stress that there will be no overtime whatsoever. If the aggregate result after two matches is to be tied, we immediately proceed to the penalties. Those are the rules.

The winners meet group A winners Györ in the quarter-finals.

17:30

Vipers are aiming to secure their fourth consecutive appearance in the CL quarter-finals, unlike DVSC who are looking for their best result in only their third participation. And what a story that would be, if they reached the quarter-finals at the expense of the current titleholders.

17:25

Previous weekend both teams had commitments in their respective domestic championships, which they finished with the same amount of goals scored. Vipers beat Fana 38:25 to prolong their winning streak (23 matches, 23 wins), while DVSC also had no issues versus Dunaujvarosi 38:28 to keep third position, behind fellow Champions League foes Györ and FTC.

17:20

Dutch international Lois Abbingh was in scintillating form for Vipers, with as many as 13 goals. That was her best offensive performance ever in the EHF Champions League Women. Katrine Lunde also made several important saves when it mattered most.

17:17

Last weekend in Debrecen, triple reigning champions Vipers showed their true colours just in time, with a 7:2 run to take the first leg 29:28. They have shown some weaknesses, but their experience proved vital in the end. DVSC are still within reach and they will be optimistic knowing Vipers have already lost three home matches this season. By contrast, they've won 18 out of the last 23 home matches in CL.

17:10

Before we turn our complete focus to Kristiansand, let's take a look back at the first legs. Almost every clash was quite thrilling and tense, with three of them finishing by no less than a two-goal margin.

The only team with a bigger breathing space are CSM Bucuresti who enjoy a six-goal lead against Krim Mercator Ljubljana (30:24). Brest Bretagne Handball beat FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria 30:28 on the road, Vipers Kristiansand grabbed a tight win at DVSC Schaeffler (29:28), while SG BBM Bietigheim outmuscled Ikast Handbold 29:27.

17:05

Of course, no better way to get prepared for this weekend's action than studying the second-leg preview written by EHF journalists Daniela Vekić and Adrian Costeiu:

17:00

It is Saturday afternoon, time to get some of the world's best handball players on the court. Welcome to the live blog for the all-decisive second leg of the play-offs in the EHF Champions League women!

It is make or break for the eight teams in the play-offs: either they book their ticket to the quarter-finals, or they say goodbye to Europe for this season. Below you see the highly contested Golden Road to Budapest, and here are the four pairing this weekend that decide who take the next step on that road to the EHF FINAL4 Women 2024 on 1/2 June:

• Saturday (all times CET):
  > 18:00 – Vipers vs DVSC (first leg 29:28)
• Sunday:
  > 14:00 – MOTW Ikast vs Bietigheim (27:29)
  > 16:00 – CSM vs Krim (30:24)
  > 18:00 – Brest vs FTC (30:28)