Odense Håndbold secured the Danish championship title after defeating Team Esbjerg 33-31 in a decisive home game Thursday evening. The victory, which followed a dominant performance in the first match by Team Esbjerg, gave Odense a 2-1 series win.

The final match was a seesaw battle, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the final moments, when Odense could finally celebrate their gold medal win. Mie Højlund, a national team player, was a standout performer for Odense, consistently attacking and causing problems for Esbjerg’s defense.

This triumph marks Odense’s return to the top of Danish handball, a position held by Team Esbjerg for the previous two seasons. Despite the ultimate result, Team Esbjerg started strong in Odense. Anna Kristensen’s saves and Henny Reistad’s offensive power helped Esbjerg take an early 4-1 lead.

In contrast to the first final, where Odense was overwhelmed by Esbjerg’s initial surge, the Funen team remained composed. Mie Højlund and Helena Elver spearheaded the offensive effort, eventually leveling the score at 9-9 after 14 minutes. The game remained tight from that point forward.

The lead exchanged hands frequently amid intense play. Odense capitalized on numerous penalty throws earned through Mie Højlund’s drives, with Ragnhild Valle Dahl converting six out of six attempts before halftime. Esbjerg, however, managed to regain control and enter halftime with a 19-18 advantage.

After the break, Odense appeared to gain momentum, particularly as Esbjerg’s offense faltered. Odense’s energetic backcourt players continued to pressure Esbjerg’s defense, while Anna Kristensen’s save percentage declined. With ten minutes remaining, Odense established a three-goal lead.

Despite the deficit, Esbjerg rallied, with Henny Reistad playing a key role in leveling the score with three minutes left. However, Odense managed to regain the lead, and a crucial mistake in Esbjerg’s final attack allowed Odense to secure the championship victory.