Budućnost kept up the pace well in the first half, and it was not until just under fifteen minutes in—when Nora Mork scored to make it 9–7 via a penalty throw—that a gap began to open up on the scoreboard.
The match's first three-goal lead came after 19 minutes, when Mia Emmenegger put the home side ahead 12–9.
But just as it seemed Esbjerg was about to break Budućnost's resistance, the Montenegrins managed to fight their way back to make 13–13.
The half ended somewhat messily, and a further damper was put on Esbjerg's day when Rikke Iversen left the court in severe pain clutching her arm or shoulder area as she headed to the dressing room.
Technical errors piled up for Esbjerg in the opening minutes after the break, as their attack failed to click entirely.
It took three quick goals from Henny Reistad to get Esbjerg back on track for the win.
The Norwegian star had announced on Friday that she would be leaving the club this summer.
She is staying for the remainder of the season, however, and had a mixed performance in her first match since her upcoming departure was made official. She lacked her usual efficiency in front of goal but still contributed a total of eight goals.
The Danish champions kept the visitors from Montenegro at bay and ultimately secured the victory.
