HCM Baia Mare recorded their biggest ever Women’s EHF Champions League win 28:22 at MKS Selgros Lublin on Sunday to climb above the Polish champions in Group D.
Such a one-sided scoreline did not seem likely after the first 10 minutes of action, as the teams were tied at 4:4.
Both Lublin and Baia Mare struggled in the attack in the first half as the defences forced costly turnovers in crucial moments at each end and the teams were still level 10:10 at half-time.
The second half would therefore be decisive in deciding the fate of these teams’ European seasons and a tactical switch proved the catalyst for what was to follow.
Baia Mare moved away from the traditional 6-0 defensive system, instead opting for an aggressive 5-1, which would swing the game their way.
Coach Costica Buceschi’s other big call was to trust Alexandra do Nascimento on the right wing, and this was also justified in emphatic fashion as the Brazilian ace sparked her team’s hot start to the second half.
The Romanian champions’ lead was up to 19:13 within the first 12 minutes of the second half behind improved defence and a flurry of efficient counter-attacks.
The visitors' confidence grew and carried them to a biggest ever win in Europe’s top-flight competition against the hapless Polish champions. It is Baia Mare's second success in Group D, a month after their first, and sets up an intriguing final contest with Metz Handball.