No room for error in Group D

There was no shortage of drama in the opening round of VELUX EHF Champions League Group D, with Besiktas being the only side who could boast a win after an intense game against ABC/UMinho.

As Nantes clawed their way back against Motor and Holstebro also snatched a draw against Dinamo in the last 10 seconds, every point looks as valuable as ever.

Dinamo București (ROU) vs Motor Zaporozhye (UKR) Thursday, 18:00 hrs local time, live on ehfTV.com

Just 10 seconds were the difference between a win and a draw for Dinamo București in their first game of the season against TTH Holstebro. The Romanian team was leading 32:31 but the Danish side won a 7-meter throw, which was converted by Jac Karlsson.

However, the Romanian side were happy to take one point and they are still eyeing the play-off for the knockout phase of the competition.

“If we look at the first 59 minutes and 50 seconds we might say we won the game,” Dinamo coach Eliodor Voica said.

“If we analyse the other 10 seconds, the answer changes. We have to be more focused and positive for the next matches.”

The ‘Red Dogs’ will face their first test on Thursday against Motor Zaporozhye, another team that earned one point in their first game with a 26:26 draw against Nantes. The Ukrainian side also travelled to Romania last season, and lost 35:30 to HCM Baia Mare.

Criciotoiu leaves for Bundesliga

It will be Dinamo’s maiden VELUX EHF Champions League game in their new hall, which is set to be filled to the brim with passionate fans.

But the Romanian champions will have to face their Ukrainian counterparts without right back Bogdan Criciotoiu, who scored two goals in the draw against Holstebro.

The 26-year old player had a clause in his contract that …

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