Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:06 p.m. / Updated Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:10 p.m.
Cristina Neagu (37 years old), the former great handball player of Romania, sent a message, after what CSM Bucharest outranked Esbjergscore 37-27, and qualified for the Final 4 of the Champions League.
Cristina Neagu was in the Multipurpose Hall at the match that qualified CSM in the Final Four after an 8-year break.
Cristina Neagu, after CSM Bucharest – Esbjerg: “If you're lucky and don't beat Gyor in the semifinals, you have a very good chance of playing in the final”
At the end, Neagu said that his former team has a good chance to reach the final should he avoid Gyor in the semi-finals. Metz is the third qualified, and the fourth team will come after the duel Brest – Gloria Bistrita, which started at 19:00.
“I experienced the match with great emotions. When we are in the field, we don't feel the atmosphere so strong, we don't hear the fans, it is much more difficult to experience the match from the stands. I understand a little the madness of the fans: when we saw them angry and criticizing us, it is much more difficult from the stands.
I think it's something extraordinary, CSM is returning to the Final Four after many years of trying. Everything is possible there, if you are lucky and don't beat Gyor in the semi-finals, you have a very good chance to play the final.
Cristina Neagu: “I would have liked to be on the field, but I have no regrets”
I don't know if I can get to Budapest, it's less important, the qualification is the most important. Girls need to enjoy and play without pressure. I wrote them messages and after the tour, I felt that this qualification was possible. I am very glad.
CSM Bucharest celebrated the victory with Esbjerg // photo: Cristi Preda
Being in the stands, I think I wish I was on the field, but I have no regrets. As long as I played, I gave everything I could. Many things matter, and the coach… I have no regrets. I am happy for them with all my heart. I think they can go all the way to the final,” said Cristina Neagu, at Digi Sport.
In this double, every player counted. Today, Evelina closed the gate. I think the most important argument for the qualification of the CSM was Bojana. I know her very well, I know how involved she is.
Today they blocked Reistad, the best player in the world. I know what it's like, I've been in her shoes. In my case, it was nothing serious to become a manager at CSM. Just a simple discussion, but I still don't feel the need to return to handball.
– Cristina Neagu
