The Borussia Dortmund women's handball team lost 32-27 (13-13) on their debut in the EHL Champions League. But the Black & Yellows were more than worthy opponents for 55 minutes of the match away to Danish side Odense HC.

Neither team succeeded in making the decisive breakaway in a good and even opening half. The home side led by three goals at one point, but the BVB women subsequently found the net three times without reply before the break to ensure the scores were tied at 13-13 at the halfway point.

It was a similar picture at the start of the second half, with the scores eventually level at 16-16. But then BVB made some inexplicable errors both in defence and attack, allowing Odense to take a 20-16 lead in the 39th minute. Having reduced the deficit to one goal and with the score at 27-26, the Black & Yellows had an opportunity to equalise with an attack on the 55-minute mark. But the ball was carelessly given away. Odense showed their experience on the international stage in the period that followed and surged into a 30-26 lead. The young Dortmund team paid the price for their lack of experience during this period and learned the painful lesson that mistakes are ruthlessly punished at this level. In the end, the BVB women's handball team suffered an avoidable 32-27 defeat on their Champions League debut. The best throwers were the wide players Gutierrez and Vollebregt, who scored eight and six goals respectively.

The BVB Ladies will have an opportunity to get their first win on the board in the competition when they play host to Brest Bretagne next Sunday.