RK Krim Mercator Women — Esbjerg Women: 31:37, EHF Champions League Women

RK Krim Merkur hosted Esbjerg in the EHF Champions League women's competition on Friday evening, the Danish side taking a 37-31 victory to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.

We had tipped Esbjerg to prevail and the result vindicated that view. The visitors were sharper in the final third and converted their chances where the home side squandered opportunities.

What the scoreline tells us is straightforward. Esbjerg move to the top of their group with four points from two matches, while Krim Merkur remain rooted to sixth on zero points despite two draws.

Recent form supports the outcome. Esbjerg have won their last five encounters across all competitions, including victories over Borussia Dortmund and NFH. Krim Merkur's last outing saw them fall 40-29 to Ferencváros.

The result leaves the hosts with work to do. They are closing in on a deal for confidence, but the table tells a different story — two draws offer little cushion as the group stage intensifies.