Team Esbjerg vs FTC-Toyota Kovács EHF Champions League win, Digi Mart USA News: Team Esbjerg hosted FTC-Toyota Kovács in round seven of the EHF Champions League in a match the publisher described as a top-of-the-table clash. The home side started strongly, with their defense limiting the visitors in the opening minutes and forcing a number of technical errors.
Esbjerg took an early lead but struggled to build a larger gap, with their finishing lacking sharpness and visiting goalkeeper Anna Kristensen having a strong game. Pressure from the hosts eventually pushed FTC further back, and Esbjerg led by four goals at halftime.
In the second half, Esbjerg’s attack kept creating chances, supported by saves from Katharina Filter. Mia Emmenegger’s goal made it 26-17, and FTC coach Jesper Jensen called a timeout that halted the home side’s momentum.
FTC then switched to a seven-on-six formation, and the visitors began converting their chances, narrowing the margin.
Esbjerg held on for a 29-26 win, with the half-time score 15-11. Coach Tomas Axnér praised his team’s offense and defense, while noting that the side wasted too many chances.
He said his team was not fully prepared for FTC’s seven-on-six approach but was pleased with the effort, duels and chance creation.
Team Esbjerg and FTC now sit level at the top of the group with two points ahead of Brest in third place. Esbjerg’s next match is at home against Ikast Håndbold on Tuesday, with kickoff at 20:00.
Team Esbjerg goals: Nora Mørk 7 (3 penalties), Henney Reistad 7 (2), Mia Emmenegger 6, Sanna Solberg 5, Rikke Iversen 1, Elin Hansson 1, Olivia Löfqvist 1, Marit Røsberg 1.
