Rapid Bucharest and CSM Bucharest, the teams that finished in the top positions in the previous season, played to a 31-31 draw on Sunday in the first stage of the National Women’s Handball League.

Christina NyaguPhoto: Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

Rapid led 20-15 but couldn’t hold on in the second half. The best player of the match was Kristina Nyagu: she scored 9 goals.

In the last phase, Norwegian goalkeeper Marie Davidsen (CSM) saved Alexandra Badea’s shot.

CSM Bucharest and Rapid Bucharest will represent Romania in the 2022-2023 Champions League season, both will qualify for the group stage.

National league, results of the first round

SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea – CSM Galati 36-26

SCM Craiova vs. Minaur Baia Mare 31-24

HC Zalău – Gloria Bistrita 26-30

CSM Tirgu Jiu vs Dacia Mioveni 27-25

Măgura Cisnădie – Dunărea Brăilă 31-31

Gloria Buzau vs CSM Slatina 28-19.

The second stage is intermediate, games are scheduled for August 31 and September 1.