After a huge win in Bucharest a week ago against Norway’s Vipers Christiansann, Rapid Bucharest lost the second leg in the Women’s Handball Champions League Group B.

Rapid Bucharest, women’s handball teamPhoto: Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

Vipers Kristiansand – Rapid Bucharest 35-30 (18-14) in Women’s Handball Champions League

Six days ago, the speedsters pulled off a surprise at home and beat Vipers Kristiansand 30-29 in the last minute.

The response was quick and the Champions League winners of the last three seasons won in Norway by five goals.

The first half was clearly dominated by the Vipers, but in the second half, David Ginesta’s men leveled the game, but not enough to close the gap.

Without Sorina Grozav, who was unavailable for the rest of the season, the leading scorers for Rapid were Fernandez (7), Kassoma (5), Buceski and Koros (4).

Rapid are currently sixth in Group B, the last qualified play-off player, and will face Ljubljana at home in the first round after the World Cup.

Group B standings

1. Esbjerg – 12 points / 7 matches

2. Metz – 10 p/7 m

3. Herning-Ikast – 10 p/7 m

4. Vipers – 7 p/8 m

5. Ljubljana – 7 p/7 m

6. Fast – 7 p/8 m

7. Ferencvaros – 5 x/7 m

8. Zaglembe – 0 p/7 m