Dinamo take full points after solid second half

Consistency has been key for Dinamo Bucuresti this season, as the Romanian side never lost by more than a two-goal margin in their first six games.

However, it was a question of experience and composure, as the “Red Dogs” lost two points in the last second against Holstebro and Besiktas, with their chances of progression to the next phase diminishing significantly.

But the Romanian champions forgot about their maiden game of the season in Denmark and avenged the draw with a 30:25 win against TTH Holstebro in Bucharest.

• Dinamo continues to be fourth in the rankings, with six points, as Holstebro is virtually out of contention, with only three points in their first seven matches
• The Romanian champions will fight for their lives in away games with Motor and Besiktas, their biggest rivals for the second place
• Dinamo's previous best wins were against TATRAN Presov in 2006 and Motor this season, both by four-goal margins
• Sajad Esteki scored seven times for Dinamo, while Magnus Bramming extended his advantage in the top goalscorer list, with 12 goals

GROUP D


Dinamo Bucuresti (ROU) vs TTH Holstebro (DEN) 30:25 (12:12)

A flawless start that saw Dinamo convert their first five attacks into goals propelled the Romanian champions to a 5:2 lead.

As the "Red Dogs" continued to maintain their lead, Sajad Esteki and Magnus Bramming, the team's top scorers exchanged goals, with Dinamo taking a 10:8 lead in the 20th minute.

However, a 3:0 run sparked by Bramming and a stronger Holstebro defence saw the Danish team take their first lead in the 26th minute, 11:10.
 

With Dinamo tying the game at half-time, 12:12, the second half promised to tie the superb fans in the Bucharest hall.

Motivated and more focused in defence, Dinamo did not dissapoint and went off for an impressive 7:2 run in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

There was no hope for Holstebro, as the Danish team was again betrayed by the defence and the lack of solutions in attack, whereas Dinamo's nine-metre line action was impeccable.

With their second win in seven matches, Dinamo continues to be fourth in the rankings, but is now only one point behind Besiktas and Motor, who still have a game in hand.

Post-match comments

Patrick Westerholm (Holstebro coach): "Dinamo played much better in the second half. Our team lost a lot of balls in the second, and there that is where we lost the match. They deserved to win and they have a very good squad."

Eliodor Voica (Dinamo coach). "Our defense today was great, not as in the last matches, where we conceded at least 30 goals. Our attack was always our strong point, but today our defense was. In the first half they ran very well in the counter attack, and we knew they are a very fast team."