Team Esbjerg open Champions League campaign with emphatic win

Team Esbjerg made a strong start to its Champions League campaign, beating Borussia Dortmund 33-24 away from home in a match effectively settled during the first half.

Esbjerg scored the opening three goals, and Dortmund never looked likely to produce an upset. The home side struggled against Esbjerg's defense before halftime, while many of its shots ended against the arms or legs of goalkeeper Katharina Filter, who started ahead of Silje Solberg.

Esbjerg led 17-9 at the break. Dortmund responded by using seven attackers against six defenders, a tactic that helped the German side create more chances. Dortmund scored as many goals in the first 16 minutes of the second half as it had managed throughout the first half.

Esbjerg still created openings at the other end and preserved its comfortable advantage, even as its finishing became less precise. The only significant setback for the visitors came when defensive specialist Line Haugsted had to leave the court early with an injury.

Esbjerg's next Champions League match comes next Sunday, when the Danish side hosts Norway's Sola.