Rebuilt Krim side fall to Romanians in Champions League opener

Krim Mercator began its 32nd consecutive Champions League campaign with a 37-29 home loss to CSM Bucharest, despite leading the favored Romanian side 19-17 at halftime.

The rebuilt Ljubljana team started brightly after falling 2-0 behind. New signing Alberte Madsen Kielstrup scored to put Krim ahead 5-4 in the sixth minute, then made it 9-7 seven minutes later. Nina Zulić supplied much of the attack, scoring eight of her nine goals before the 28th minute.

Krim’s fast attack produced results, although its defense left openings. The teams stayed close for much of the first half before the hosts finished it with a well-worked move and a two-goal lead.

CSM Bucharest took control early in the second half. The visitors moved ahead 22-21 in the 37th minute, then opened a two-goal gap after Krim coach Rasmus Poulsen called a timeout. Goalkeeper Maja Vojnović made several saves to prevent the lead from growing faster, but Bucharest scored frequently from the wings and led by four in the 44th minute.

Another timeout did not stop the Romanian surge. CSM went five goals ahead in the 46th minute and soon extended the margin to six before managing the remainder of the match. The visitors led by as many as eight. Krim next travels to face Ferencvaros, while Group A also includes Esbjerg, Brest, Borussia Dortmund, Sola and Budućnost. The top two teams advance directly to the quarterfinals, and teams finishing third through sixth enter playoffs for the remaining places.