ESBF always win against Croatian teams in the European Cup. In only four confrontations, of course, but it’s 100% guaranteed. After the two victories against Koprivnica (Champions League 1998-1999), the handball players of Besançon therefore also twice beat Lokomotiva Zagreb this season in the European League! In Franche-Comté (28-27), on the previous day of the Group Stage then this Saturday evening, in Croatia 31-26, for the start of the three days back in Group A.
A defeat would have almost sounded the death knell for qualification hopes in the 1/4 finals. But the ESBF has indeed fulfilled its mission, 16-14, half-time in the Dom Sportova Zagreb and thus resumes his destiny in his hands to win one of the first two qualifying places of his pool of four teams!
The first half was well controlled by the Besançon handball players. After 20 minutes of play, they were already leading by 5 goals. But the defeat could have been heavier for the Croats since ESBF players hit the posts four times in a row at the end of the first half.
The Bisontines now tied for 2nd with the Hungarians of Mosonmagyarovari their next opponents
Thanks to this success at the end of this cleaver match, Sébastien Mizoule’s players now display a rebalanced record of 2 wins – 2 losses. But they were a little scared in the second half. The Croatians equalized twice especially at 18-18. But finally, the Bisontines played their game and they led 29-24 four minutes from the end of the match.
That is to say the same as the Hungarians of Mosonmagyarovari, who therefore now share 2nd place with the ESBF. This announces a new decisive match for the Bisontine, next Saturday (February 12, 8 p.m.), with the reception of the Magyar team, on the 5th and penultimate day of the Group Stage!
In the meantime, Lucie Granier and her friends will be fervent supporters of Sola: the current group leader (faultless with 3 wins) welcomes the Hungarians this Sunday (February 6, 2 p.m.). The Norwegians of Sola, where the ESBF will then play for the final day (February 20).