Odense take historic first win in Scandinavian derby

Odense HC have clinched their first ever Women’s EHF Champions League victory. The Danish champions routed Larvik HK 33:25 in the Boligmappa Arena in Norway in the opening match of Round 3 on Friday.

Mia Højlund was particularly impressive in the absence of the team’s injured star player, Stine Jørgensen.

• the win was Odense’s first ever in the Women’s EHF Champions League

• Odense compensated well for missing their key player Stine Jørgensen

• the final result also was the biggest difference in the match: eight goals

• Mie Højlund scored eight goals for Odense, Emilie Christensen six for Larvik

GROUP A

Larvik HK (NOR) vs Odense HC (DEN) 25:33 (13:16)

Odense left no doubt in the Boligmappa Arena in Larvik Friday evening, as the Danish visitors took their first Women’s EHF Champions League win in history.

As Stine Jørgensen was missing due to injury, playmaker Mie Højlund took over brilliantly in Odense’s attack, and she was named best player of the match by local organisers.

"We played with big confidence, and scored a lot of great goals," Højlund said. "So I am very pleased that we have won the first game in the Champions League in the club's history."

Larvik took an early 6:4 lead, mainly thanks to right back Mathilde Rivas Toft, who successfully sought her own chances but also set up her line player and wings. However, it would be the hosts’ only lead in the entire match. As soon as the Odense defence got grip on Rivas Toft, the visitors were in control.

Odense were further helped by brilliant goalkeeper performances from Tess Wester in the first half and Althea Reinhardt after the break.

After leading by four goals several times in the first half, Odense increased their lead gradually in the second half, with the final score reflecting the biggest difference of eight goals.

"It is a big and historical day for Odense Handball," Odense head coach Jan Pytlick said. "I think that we showed today that we belong in the Champions League, and we are looking forward to the coming matches with big confidence."

Odense (three points) have now overtaken Larvik (two) in the Group A standings. Metz and Buducnost meet in France for the other group match of Round 3 on Sunday at 17:00 hrs local time (live on ehfTV.com).