Summary: Vipers impress in MOTW; Metz under pressure after defeat

• round 13 of the EHF Champions League Women group phase
• in the MOTW, Vipers defeated FTC in Hungary (35:27)
• also on Saturday, Zaglebie suffered a loss against Rapid (21:24), Buducnost lost to Odense (17:33), Esbjerg ended up victorious against Krim (29:21), while DVSC stunned national rivals Györ (29:28)
• on Sunday, Ikast Handbold edged Metz Handball 35:34 to ensure a dramatic final day in group B; CSM Bucuresti kept the pressure on Odense by beating SG BBM Bietigheim 31:28; Brest Bretagne Handball secured at least fourth place with a win vs IK Sävehof 28:23 
• all matches streamed live on EHFTV ; highlights available on Home of Handball YouTube channel
• read the round preview and check the group standings
• follow the official EHF Champions League socials on Instagram , X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook
• all photos courtesy of the home teams

20:22

That's it from EHF Champions League Women 2023/24 round 13! There is still one more round to go next weekend so make sure you come back and join us in our next live blog. All the best and see you then!

20:17

Here's a quick look at some snaps from Brest where the hosts managed to secure at least fourth place in group A before the final round.

20:01

Before we sign off for this week, browse around our standings page, as well as the schedule for round 14, final one in the group phase.

19:52

Three matches, three wins for the hosts. That's how round 13 wrapped up on Sunday. For more details, take a look at our day review by our Danijela Vekić:

19:44

With that win by Brest we conclude round 13 of the EHF Champions League Women 2023/24. It wasn't a brilliant performance from the runners-up of the French championship last season by any means, but it was indeed enough to see off a mostly solid resistance from Sävehof.

19:30

Katharina Filter was absolutely outstanding for Brest, saving 20 shots with a 47 per cent success rate. The German international was simply impenetrable. On the offensive end, Maslova and Foppa combined for 15 goals (8+7), while Koppang and Jensen scored six each for Sävehof.

19:25 | FULL-TIME

BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL - IK SÄVEHOF 28:23

Brest have started slowly, but finished strongly for their fifth win in last seven matches. They secure fourth place in group A and could still overtake CSM in third. The Romanians are only a point ahead, but Brest have a tough task in the final round, they travel to Hungary to play Györi.

On the other hand, Sävehof are now only a loss away from the record losing streak in the history of the EHF Champions League Women held by Kastamonu (18 losses in a row).

19:17

Sävehof are putting up a good fight, but Brest are in control and lead 25:21 with five and a half minutes to go. Filter keeps piling on the saves, she's on 20 now!

19:11

That save from Filter is proving to be crucial as Brest have now opened up a four-goal lead, 22:18 thanks to goals from Maslova and Foppa.

19:03

Sävehof tied the match at 16 goals apiece and then even could have taken the lead, but guess who stepped in again? Of course, Katharina Filter who saved Ernelind's shot from the wing. Brest immediately responded with goals from Maslova and Cabral Barbosa.

18:56

Much livelier start of the second half than the first. In the entire first 30 minutes we saw only 19 goals and now in eight minutes already 10. Brest lead 16:13.

18:50

Final half of round 13 has just started. Brest lead Sävehof 10:9.

18:44

Before we return to Brest, here are some photos from Bucharest where CSM beat Bietigheim and kept the pressure on second-placed Odense in group A.

18:42

What a performance so far from Katharina Filter. She ended the half with 14 saves out of 22 shots, which is an incredible 63 per cent! On top of that, she saved 13 out of the first 17 shots. Amazing.

Cléopâtre Darleux, Brest's absent goalkeeper who's in the stands with her daughter, was probably very proud of her teammate. The 34-year-old Frenchwoman has been sidelined over a year after suffering a concussion, but was recently given the all-clear to resume her career.

18:36 | HALF-TIME

BREST BRETAGNE HANDBALL - IK SÄVEHOF 10:9

A tight first half ends with a slim advantage for Brest. There were more goalkeepers' saves (21) than goals (19)! We kept talking about Filter who ended with 14 saves, but Sävehof's Johanna Bundsen also had a good half with seven saves.

The Swedes played at a solid level throughout this season from time to time, however they haven't been able to keep that up until the end. We'll see if they can change that trend tonight. Brest are below their expected performance right now. Foppa leads their scoring chart with three goals, while Koppang scored four for the guests.

18:22

We need a magnifying glass over here because we can't find a goal. Brest somehow manage to score two in a row and lead 6:4 after 20 minutes. Filter is still brilliant with 11 saves (73 per cent). Un. Real.

18:15

Katharina Filter is on fire! She's already saved eight shots out of 11! Incredibly, Brest are only up by one goal (4:3), they're still struggling in attack.

18:10

Not many goals so far. Brest lead 3:2 with both goalkeepers in fine form. Filter with three saves, Bundsen with two.

18:00

Final match of round 13 has just started! Let's hope for a good one.

17:55

Jesper Östlund, Sävehof's head coach, is well aware of the height of the challenge ahead of them:

"It’s a new game where we are big underdogs. Currently, we have a lot of injuries, but we’ll ensure to make the best out of the situtation and perform well."

Julie Foggea, Brest's goalkeeper is cautious:

"It’s going to be a very important match, a trap match. We’ve had a good run so far. We want to continue to assert ourselves and continue in this direction. We are good at the moment and we want to continue like this."

17:52

Is this the day Sävehof finally win some points or do you think nothing can stop the French triumph?

17:45

From Romania we're heading to France for the final match of EHF Champions League Women 2023/24 round 13. In group A Brest Bretagne Handball are hosts to IK Sävehof in what is - on paper at least - the most one-sided match of the day.

Swedish champions are already eliminated and haven't won a single point this season. They are only two losses away from the record losing streak in the history of this competition.

Brest, who won four and drew two matches of their last six, are looking for a win with which they would secure at least fourth spot in the rankings. They could still take third, though, as CSM Bucuresti are only three points ahead.

In the reverse fixture in Sweden Brest won 25:20.

17:38

CSM's goalkeepers may have saved less shots than their counterpart from Bietigheim, but we're under the impression that their saves came at more important moments. This was one of them.

17:34

Moreschi has made more saves (15) than all three of CSM's goalkeepers Glauser, Eriksson and Skurtveit combined (13), but it wasn't enough for the Germans who were on the back foot the entire match.

Neagu scored six goals for CSM, Arntzen five and Nikolic four. Kudlacz-Gloc and Döll contributed with six and five, respectively, for Bietigheim.

17:32 | FULL-TIME

CSM BUCURESTI - SG BBM BIETIGHEIM 31:28

CSM have withstood all of Bietigheim's attacks in the final minutes and secured two more points! German champions kept narrowing the gap to two goals, but CSM were not to be denied. Zaadi, Omoregie and Neagu kept CSM at a three-goal lead before Evelina Eriksson produced the crucial save at 29:27. With only a minute left to go, it was all over.

This is CSM's fifth win in last six matches, while Bietigheim have suffered their fifth defeat in as many games. This means CSM could still take second spot in group A if they beat second-placed Odense in Denmark on the final day of the group phase.

Also, this is CSM's 80th win in the European top-tier competition. They are only the ninth team in history to secure that feat.

17:22

Bietigheim are still in this. Kudlacz-Gloc failed to convert her penalty shot, but Isabelle Andersson scored from outside and now it's 26:24 to CSM. Five minutes left in this match.

17:17

Like Jim Carrey used to say in "The Mask" - somebody stop me! This is Antje Döll's version:

17:15

As we reach the final 10 minutes of the game, Kudlacz-Gloc scores twice in a row to bring Bietigheim back to only a three goal deficit, 24:21.

17:08

We're halfway through the second half and CSM are beginning to open up a larger lead again. Eriksson made a phenomenal save before Arntzen scored her third goal of the game. Timeout Bietigheim, CSM lead 24:19.

17:00

We might be getting an early answer to that question. Briliant start from the German champions - they've scored six goals and conceded just the one. CSM still lead, but only by two goals now (18:16)!

16:52

We're back in action in Bucharest. Can Bietigheim somehow find their way back into this match or will it be another victory for CSM?

16:46

Photos from Denmark have arrived! Ikast celebrate a dramatic win over Metz which further complicates things in group B.

16:34 | HALF-TIME

CSM BUCURESTI - SG BBM BIETIGHEIM 17:10

Surprisingly, CSM finally lost in the Romanian championship on Wednesday, 30:28 against Rapid, which was their first loss in the competition after 58 matches. However, they didn't dwell on that too long.

They've just produced a magnificent first half against Bietigheim and lead by seven goals. You could see and feel the difference in forms between the two teams. CSM playing with so much confidence, while Bietigheim simply can't keep up with them.

Neagu with four goals, Arntzen with three and Glauser with seven saves lead the way for CSM so far.

16:28

Fast break goal from CSM and for the first time today it's a five-goal advantage, 14:9!

16:23

CSM are stepping it up again, this time thanks to a two-minute suspension for Bietigheim. Omoregie scored in an empty goal, capping off a three-goal run. CSM lead 11:7.

16:19

Noisy crowd and a good atmosphere in Bucharest, I must say. The hosts resumed their fine form in the opening few minutes by leading 6:2, but Bietigheim are now fighting back and it's 8:7 in favour of CSM. Jenny Behrend also on three goals for the guests.

16:10

Excellent start from CSM. A penalty goal from the legendary Cristina Neagu - her third of the match already - puts the hosts 4:1 in front after eight minutes of play.

16:00

We're off in Bucharest! First possession for CSM.

15:53

Romanian and German champions are ready in Bucharest. Bietigheim won their closely fought first encounter last September in Germany 26:24 with both goalkeepers having a phenomenal day, Moreschi with 18 saves and Glauser with 16. By the way, Moreschi will join CSM next season, along with her current teammate Inger Smits.

15:45

Coming up in 15 minutes in the Romanian capital we have CSM Bucuresti against SG BBM Bietigheim in group A. CSM are still hoping for second spot, they need to win both remaining matches including the final one with currently second-placed Odense on the road. They have everything in their own hands and they're in good form.

Bietigheim are pretty much relaxed, with no pressure. They have secured their play-off place, but their form is not so promising. Unlike CSM who have won four of their last five matches in the competition, the Germans have lost four and won one.

15:41

Here's what happened in the final seconds in Ikast. It's not for the faint-hearted.

15:37

This win means the top two places in group B will be decided in the final round next weekend. Metz and Esbjerg lead with 20 points each and Ikast is third with only a point behind. Also, the Danes have a better head-to-head score against Metz, which could be important.

In round 14 Metz play at home vs FTC, Ikast travel to Vipers, while Esbjerg play Rapid in Bucharest. What a final day that will be!

15:33 | FULL-TIME

IKAST HANDBOLD - METZ HANDBALL 35:34

It went down to the wire and Ikast celebrate a crucial win! Grijseels scored from the penalty shot to narrow the gap to one goal (35:34) as we entered the final minute. Depuiset made a save to enable Metz to have the final attack. However, the French champions failed to take a shot and two points stay in Denmark.

Jerábková scored 11 goals which makes her competition's top scorer again. Skogrand scored seven, Friis five, while Schjött saved 13 shots. Bouktit with eight goals and Jörgensen with seven were the most efficient for Metz. Depuiset and Sako combined for 14 saves.

15:25

Final four minutes. Ikast lead 34:32, but it's not over just yet.

15:23

Three goals in under two minutes brought Metz back to a one-goal deficit after a long time (29:28), but then Skogrand and Jerábková (who else?) increased the difference to three goals for Ikast.

15:19

Instead of a two-goal difference, Ikast lead by four (29:25). Schjött made a vital save to prevent Metz from closing the gap to two goals, and then Hougaard scored from the wing. Final 10 minutes.

15:13

"We can beat the best teams when we hit the day", said Ikast's head coach Kasper Christensen before the match.

Indeed, that is what is happening right now. Ikast lead 28:23 after another goal from Lindqvist. Mayonnade had to call another timeout, Metz are in serious trouble here.

15:08

Delightful finish from Sarah Bouktit!

15:05

Timeout Metz. Mayonnade has to react as Ikast are looking much sharper than the French champions right now. Lindqvist and Hougaard score to put Ikast 24:21 in front with 20 minutes to go.

15:01

Couple of important saves from Depuisat, who started on goal instead of Sako in the second half. Ikast were threatening to establish a four-goal lead, however Metz scored twice in a row so it's 20:19 in favour of the hosts.

14:55

There it is, Jerábková puts Ikast three goals in front for the first time today (19:16), but Valentini immediately responds on the other side with her second goal of the match.

14:52

We're back! Second half is under way in Ikast.

14:48

So, Metz cannot afford to lose, otherwise they will have to fight it off in the final round to make sure they are secure in the quarter-finals. However, Ikast are also in the mix and they haven't given up on a top-two finish themselves.

Tell us what you think in our poll.

14:43

Jörgensen feeling pretty confident playing on home soil!

14:38 | HALF-TIME

IKAST HANDBOLD - METZ HANDBALL 18:16

Ikast have been in front almost the entire first half, but not once with more than two goals. Metz just keep coming right back at them, although the French team were slightly sloppy in their last defence. Friis scored in the final seconds to again bring Ikast to a two-goal advantage.

Jerábková, Skogrand, Friis and Jörgensen - I would say the usual suspects - leading the scoring charts with five goals each. Between the posts, Sako with seven saves, Schjött with six. Still plenty to play for in the next 30 minutes.

14:31

Anne Mette Hansen with no mercy for the cobweb in the corner of Schjött's posts!

14:29

Things have slowed down in Ikast. The Danes were 12:10 in front with two minutes of suspension for Metz, but Sako made a terrific save from the wing (Friis), and then another one! Jörgensen scored twice in a row to once more level the match. It's 12:12.

14:20

I'm having trouble keeping track of all the goals right now! Extremely high pace in Ikast, the hosts lead 12:10 after only 17 minutes of play. Jerábková with four goals for Ikast, Skogrand and Friis three each.

Here's one from Skogrand to enjoy:

14:18

Sako with five saves already, but Metz constantly on the back foot. Now Schjött gets her third save and Friis scores from the wing. Once more, for the fifth time today, Ikast lead by two goals (10:8).

14:14

Only 11 minutes have gone and we already have three two-minute suspensions. Two of them for Metz. It's a feisty match this one. Valentini just tied the score again at 7:7.

14:10

Bright start from Ikast as they lead 2:0 and 4:2, but Metz responded with two quick goals to level it after eight minutes. The guests have survived their first two-minute suspension from Burgaard.

14:00

There's the throw-off in Ikast! First possession for the hosts.

13:55

Only five minutes until the game starts. Just a reminder that you can follow all of Sunday's action on EHFTV (geo-restrictions may apply).

13:45

Also, we have plenty of international players combined in Ikast and Metz. Some world class players, including current world champions from France (Valentini, Depuiset, Granier, Bouktit, Sako), runners-up from Norway (Skogrand, Bakkerud) and from third-placed Denmark (Iversen, Petersen, Friis, Scaglione, Mette Hansen, Jörgensen, Burgaard)... Needless to say we're expecting a high quality affair today in Denmark.

The French champions are ready:

13:41

It should be an intriguing clash between some of the finest goalscorers of the competition. Ikast's Markéta Jerábková scored 76 goals and is currently sitting in joint-second, two goals behind Anna Vyakhireva from Vipers, while Metz's Sarah Bouktit and Kristina Jörgensen are just slightly behind with 75 and 71 goals, respectively.

13:35

In the reverse fixture in France Ikast won 39:36, with both sides proving they own the most potent attacks of the competition. Metz scored 624 goals in the group phase and Ikast only three less (621).

The Danish side was lead by Friis, Bakkerud and Jerábková who combined for 24 goals in thus far only Metz's home defeat this season.

13:30

The players are warming up in IBF Arena in Ikast. Should be a cracking match between two pretty ambitious teams.

13:20

In group A Györi are safely through to the quarter-finals, while Odense are in second place. CSM could still leapfrog them if they win both of their remaining matches. Brest, DVSC and Bietigheim go to the play-offs. Buducnost and Sävehof are eliminated.

In group B there's still a lot to play for. Metz and Esbjerg are on top with 20 points each, but Metz play today against Ikast who are third with three points less. If the French team remains unbeaten today, they will confirm their quarter-final spot. However, if Ikast win, top two places will be decided in the final round next weekend.

Vipers have qualified for play-offs, while the other two spots will be taken by Krim, FTC or Rapid. Zaglebie are still without a point.

Check out full standings here.

13:10

Before we turn our focus to today's matches, let's take one more look into Saturday's action. Who would've thought that Györi Audi ETO KC would suffer a second consecutive loss after 11 straight wins, but that's exactly what happened. Team Esbjerg took a vital win, while Vipers Kristiansand celebrated in MOTW. For further details snoop around our day review right here.

13:00

Hello everyone and welcome to day two of EHF Champions League Women 2023/24 round 13 live blog. It was an exciting Saturday with five games in total and hopefully we're in for a treat on Sunday as well.

Three more matchups are ahead, starting at 14:00 CET between Ikast Handbold and Metz Handball. At 16:00 CET we have CSM Bucuresti vs SG BBM Bietigheim and finally at 18:00 CET Brest Bretagne Handball and IK Sävehof will close out this round.

Sunday 11 February

20:25

That's going to be it from us for today! An exciting day is behind us - a day in which we've seen Vipers win the MOTW, but also a day in which we've seen DVSC stun Györ in Debrecen. Thanks for being with us, and of course - we hope to see you tomorrow as well for the final three games of the EHF CLW Round 13. Tomorrow we'll see Ikast welcome Metz, CSM play Bietigheim in Bucharest, and Brest host Sävehof. 

Have a great night ahead, and see you tomorrow!

20:14

We just can't end the daily coverage without hearing from DVSC coach Zoltan Szilagyi following their big win over Györ!

20:10

Our daily review has absolutely everything you need to know about the games we've seen today. And we've seen a lot!

20:02

It's time to check out some of the best photos from Esbjerg, Debrecen, and Podgorica!

19:47

Esbjerg slowed the tempo down a bit in the second half, but it ended up being a big win for them anyways. Seven goals for Nora Mork, and splendid 12 saves for Amalie Milling in the first half only when the game was basically decided. 

19:40

What a game for DVSC! Five goals for Jovana Jovovic, and a big win over national rivals Györ! 

Jovana Jovovic saves the day 😍 #ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/10F1eh15A2

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) February 10, 2024

19:28 FULL TIME

WHC BUDUCNOST BEMAX - ODENSE HANDBOLD 17:33

TEAM ESBJERG - CRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA 29:21

DVSC SCHAEFFLER - GYÖRI AUDI ETO KC 29:28

19:17

Estelle Nze Minko has managed to add tempo to Györ transition lately, with the guests overtaking the lead heading into the final ten minutes of the game. Silje Solberg is also having a good day with eight saves. 

19:08

Andrea Hansen scores her seventh goal of the day from just as many attempts, as Odense widen the gap to 10 goals (15:25) in Podgorica. After a solid first half, it seems like Buducnost can no longer follow Odense' tempo. 

18:59

Two-goal cushion for DVSC in these moments against Györ. Six saves for Catherine Gabriel, four goals for Greta Kacsor. 

18:55

500 Champions League goals? Checked for Henny Reistad!

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 Henny Reistad reaches 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ goals scored in the #ehfcl 🔮 #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/wLVdSi7E03

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) February 10, 2024

18:42

Amazing 12 saves for Amalie Milling, and five goals for Nora Mork, as Esbjerg completely dominates Krim in the first half of their game. 
Thale Rushfeldt Deila leads Odense scorers with four as the guests lead at the half in Montenegro. Finally, the Hungarian derby of the round is leveled at the half. 

18:37 HALF TIME

WHC BUDUCNOST BEMAX - ODENSE HANDBOLD 13:16

TEAM ESBJERG - CRIM MERCATOR LJUBLJANA 19:7

DVSC SCHAEFFLER - GYÖRI AUDI ETO KC 14:14

18:31

Amalie Milling is, without doubt, the first name of the three 18.00 CET games having nine saves, pushing her team to a dominating 16:7 lead in the final minutes of the first. 

How can you not feel safe when you have Amalie Milling as a goalkeeper? 🛡️💪 #ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/DPFuwHBQYl

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) February 10, 2024

18:27

Danish defense is driving Krim crazy as Esbjerg takes a commanding 14:6 lead with minutes to go in the first. Rikke Iversen is leading scorers with three, while Amalie Milling has nine saves already!

18:16

Six saves for Amalie Milling as Esbjerg opens the gap to 8:4. Their defense is looking really impressive so far!

DVSC have a minimum lead over Györ (9:8), while Odense leads 7:9 in Podgorica. 

18:10

Six different scorers, and a 6:3 lead for Esbjerg early into the game against Krim. In Podgorica, and Debrecen, the result is 5:5. 

17:58

Two more minutes left until the start of the games in Esbjerg, Podgorica and Debrecen!

17:50

With only ten minutes left until the opening buzzer for the final three games of the day, let's check out some of the best photos from Erd and Lubin.

17:40

With the first two games of the day in the books, we're slowly turning towards the remaining three games today. Starting from 18.00 CET, Buducnost will play Odense in Montenegro, DVSC will host Györ in a Hungarian duel of the round, and Esbjerg will welcome Krim. 

17:35 FULL TIME

MKS ZAGLEBIE LUBIN - CS RAPID BUCURESTI 21:24

A win for Zaglebie that keeps their playoff hopes alive! Six goals for Dorina Korsos, five for Andjela Janjusevic in their team's win after they were two goals behind at the break. Daria Michalak finished the game with six goals for Zaglebie.

17:25 FULL TIME

FTC RAIL-CARGO HUNGARIA - VIPERS KRISTIANSAND 27:35

A splendid attacking display from the Norwegians who in the end celebrated a confident 27:35 win in Hungary. Anna Vyakhireva delivered yet another offensive masterclass going off for nine points, and securing the MOTW POTM title. Katrine Lunde was fantastic between posts finishing the game with 15 saves. 

Katrin Gitta Klujber netted ten goals for FTC, Dragana Cvijic added five, while Kinga Janurik finished the game with 10 saves. Unfortunately for home fans, that wasn't enough for FTC to win the game today and officially book a place in the knock-out stage of the competition. 

17:16

A little play action from Rapid Bucuresti stuns the hosts. It's a close match in Poland with the guests managing to get in front 18:19 with about ten minutes left to play. Everything points out to a close finish ahead of us. 

How to stun the crowd 🤯 A lesson from Dorina Korsós 👩‍🏫 #ehfcl #clw #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/pdxtDkGpZm

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) February 10, 2024

17:10

Katrin Klujber is shining for FTC with 10 goals already, but it simply doesn't seem to be enough for Hungarians who are currently trailing six goals (25:31) with only five minutes left on the clock! 

17:00

Beautifully executed by Anna Vyakhireva who is on fire today! Six first-half goals for her as a proof she's in great form at the moment!

Power mode 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 ✅ Anna Vyakhireva ☄️ #ehfcl #clw #DareToRise #MOTW | @VipersKrSand pic.twitter.com/kmMOIlHlVh

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) February 10, 2024

16:40 HALF TIME

FTC RAIL-CARGO HUNGARIA - VIPERS KRISTIANSAND 13:17

MKS ZAGLEBIE LUBIN - CS RAPID BUCURESTI 15:13

16:27

Five minutes to go in the first, and Vipers are slowly opening the gap in Hungary. It's 10:14 at the moment. 

16:20

With ten minutes left to play in the first, Vipers lead 9:11 in Hungary! Vyakhireva and Klujber are on fire for their respective teams scoring five goals each already! A great game so far in Erd!

16:10

Well executed, early into the game, for Zaglebie! 

Right in the corner 🎯 #ehfcl #clw #DareToRise | @MKS_ZL pic.twitter.com/WbzsaLTilY

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) February 10, 2024

16:06

Four minutes in Vipers have a 3:2 lead as Anna Vyakhireva opens the game with a quick fire double. 

16:00

The game is on!

15:57

With nothing but minutes left until the opening whistle, let's check out some of the warm-up photos from Hungary!

15:49

With just over 10 minutes left until the opening buzzer, the official match-opening ceremony is slowly starting in the packed Erd Arena. 

15:32

We've got two games starting from 16.00 CET. Apart from the MOTW, Zaglebie is going to host Rapid Bucuresti in a match in which hosts will be looking for what would be their first points this season against seventh-positioned Rapid. Romanians have to win both of their last two group stage games in order to reach the Play-offs, while at the same time hoping FTC doesn't win a single point as that would help them secure a spot in Play-offs and seal the deal in that race.

15:24

An eventual win today at home would help FTC seal a spot in the Play-offs. On the other hand, Vipers have already secured the knock-out stage, but they are out of the race for the top-two positions finish that would help them cruise directly through to the quarter-finals. 

15:15

We'll start the round with no more - no less but the MOTW in which FTC is going to welcome Vipers! As always, our Media Guide contains all the key info so feel free to check it out! Here are some of the most interesting facts and figures about the game. 

• The MOTW in round 13 of the EHF Champions League Women 2023/24 is a rematch of last season’s
final: FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria vs Vipers Kristiansand.

• Vipers won that final in Budapest 28:24 as the Norwegian side became the second women’s team to
win the CL three years in row, after Györi Audi ETO KC
had achieved the feat in 2017-19.

• Vipers defeated FTC again last September, this time 37:26, when the teams met in Norway in round 2
of the CL 2023/24 group phase.

• After triumphing in their last three duels, Vipers lead the head-to-head comparison with FTC, winning
six and losing three of their 10 matches in total.

• Vipers goalkeeper Katrine Lunde is the only female player with seven CL titles; Lunde is also a
six-time EHF EURO champion with Norway and was crowned the women’s MVP of the 2022/23 season at
the inaugural EHF Excellence Awards.

• Lunde’s Czech teammate Jana Knedlikova is the only player who has won six consecutive CL trophies:
in 2017-19 with Györ, in 2021-23 with Vipers; in 2020, no title was awarded due to the pandemic.

• In November, FTC star Andrea Lekic became the fourth player with 1,000 CL goals to her name, after
Anita Görbicz, Jovanka Radicevic, and Cristina Neagu; Lekic will miss the MOTW with a hand injury.

• Both clubs this MOTW started the season with a new head coach: Tomás Hlavatý stepped in for Ole
Gustav Gjekstad at Vipers; Martin Albertsen took over from FTC club icon Gábor Elek, but was replaced with
his assistant Allan Heine early in the group phase.

15:06

No better way to get ready for round 13 than studying the round preview from EHF journalists Danijela Vekić and Adrian Costeiu:

15:00

It's Saturday afternoon, time for another round of EHF Champions League Women excitement! Welcome to the live blog for round 13, as the group phase is slowly but steadily approaching it conclusion.

Five of this round's eight matches are scheduled for Saturday, and the MOTW between FTC and Vipers is right in the first timeslot at 16:00 CET. Here is the full schedule for the weekend: