After a tough start to the Champions League group stage with one-goal defeats against Metz and Gyor, Team Esbjerg's Danish vice-champions recorded their first win in the tournament on Sunday when they won 30-24 at home against Storhamar.
The two teams now both have two points after three matches. There are eight teams in the group, so all teams must play 14 games. The home side earned the win thanks to a strong start to the second half, with last season's Champions League bronze winners building up the decisive gap.
The Scandinavian encounter saw Esbjerg in control for most of the match, even though Storhamar showed great resilience.
The Danish side, eager to claim their first points of the season, made a promising start to the game with excellent performances from Tabea Schmid and Henny Reistad in particular.
But the visitors never caved in, kept fighting back, and reduced the gap to just one goal (12-11) midway through the first half, keeping the tension of the game alive. However, in the closing stages, Esbjerg restored the three-goal lead before the break.
In the second half, the visitors often tried to catch Esbjerg by surprise by playing seven against six. However, the hosts remained composed and confident, never dropping the lead, which ultimately was enough to seal a well-deserved 30-24 victory.
