the Metz handball has assumed its favorite status, for this first leg of the knockout stages of the Champions League, in Dortmund, this Saturday. The straps win 30 to 22in this meeting that you were able to follow live on the radio on France Bleu Lorraine.
Despite the warm atmosphere, and well supported by 150 supporters, Metz widened their gap in the first half, ending with a big gap of 9 goals in their favor (18-9). A gap consolidated in the second half despite a few moments of hesitation. With 18 saves on the 39 shots she suffered, goalkeeper Ivana Kapitanovic is the strap of the game. Méline Nocandy, in her standards with 6 goals (6/10 on shots) and Sarah Bouktit (5/6) brought their stone to the building. The absences of De Paula and N’Gouan did not weigh too much and the final gap reflects both the difference in level and the scenario of the match.
The final four in sight
This year, qualification for the final four of the Champions League will be assured at the end of this round, after the return match at the Arena of Metz. Indeed, the winner will be directly qualified for the final four of the women’s champions league. This is the main objective of Metz handball this year.
This match was also an opportunity to see again in the ranks of the dragons the player Grace Zaadi, who was released from her contract with the club of Rostov (Russia) for the end of the season.
The return match of this round of 16, at the Arènes de Metz, will also be live and in full on France Bleu Lorraine, official radio station of Metz handball.
– Thomas Lavaud