The Danish side remained in contention for much of the encounter, but CSM București held their nerve in the closing stages to secure an important home victory and end Esbjerg’s run of four consecutive wins in the competition.
CSM București edge a competitive first half
Esbjerg started confidently and moved into a 6-4 lead after 10 minutes. The visitors continued to challenge the Romanian hosts, with Live Rushfeldt Deila putting the Danish side ahead 13-12 with seven minutes remaining in the first half.
However, that proved to be Esbjerg’s final lead of the match. CSM București responded strongly and went into the interval with an 18-17 advantage, setting up a tense second half.
Romanian experience proves decisive
The contest remained closely fought after the restart, but CSM București prevented Esbjerg from regaining the lead.
The Romanian team benefited from the contributions of Danish internationals Anne Mette Hansen and Emma Friis, who each scored three goals against their compatriots.
Esbjerg continued to search for a way back into the game. Helene Kindberg Hansen reduced the deficit to 28-27 with seven minutes remaining, raising hopes of a late comeback.
CSM București, however, managed the final minutes effectively and held on to win 34-31.
Deila leads Esbjerg scoring effort
Norwegian player Live Rushfeldt Deila finished as the match’s leading scorer with seven goals for Esbjerg.
Her contribution kept the visitors within reach, but the Danish side could not find the decisive goals needed to turn the result around.
Despite the defeat, Esbjerg remain near the top of Group A with eight points from five matches, leaving their campaign well placed as the group phase continues.
Esbjerg look to bounce back
The loss represents a setback for Esbjerg after their impressive start to the competition, but the narrow three-goal margin showed that they remained competitive against an experienced opponent.
The Danish side will now look to recover quickly and return to winning ways in their next European fixture against Brest Bretagne Handball on 17 October.
CSM București, meanwhile, will take confidence from a victory built on their ability to respond under pressure and close out a closely contested match.