Metz make history with ticket for Raiffeisen Bank EHF FINAL4 final

SEMI-FINALS

Metz Handball (FRA) vs CSM Bucuresti (ROU) 32:27 (17:13)

H2H: 10-0-3
Top scorers: Sarah Bouktit 8/8 (Metz Handball); Valeriia Maslova 7/13 (CSM Bucuresti)

• both Metz and CSM were sloppy in possession at the start of the match, but Emmanuel Mayonnade's squad improved after the 15th minute, especially in shot efficiency (74 per cent), while Bucuresti missed 13 shots during the opening 30 minutes
• Johanna Bundsen made 17 saves (39.5 per cent save efficiency), but also scored two goals and supplied Metz's wings with clear-cut chances to score from fast breaks
• Djurdjina Jaukovic received two two-minute suspensions in the first half, but did feature in the second half when she scored twice and continued to play a big role in CSM’s defence
• Sarah Bouktit scored five penalty shots and three goals from open play, and was also problematic for CSM’s defence
• 18,500 spectators were present at the MVM Dome and both Metz and CSM’s supporters created a frenetic atmosphere

Metz fly on the wings of Valentini and Granier to the final

A nervy start to the match led to Metz and CSM making too many technical errors in the opening 15 minutes, but the French runners-up were better at calming their nerves and went on a decisive three-goal run (9:6), forcing CSM head coach Bojana Popovic to call a team timeout in the 18th minute.

However, Bucuresti could not find solutions to Metz’s growing confidence. Léna Grandveau and Lylou Borg orchestrated the imaginative attack, and CSM were unable to handle Metz's pace.

With the pressure growing on CSM in the second half, so did the number of Metz's fast breaks and Chloé Valentini (seven goals) and Lucie Granier (three) punished each and every of their mistakes with goals on the other end of the court. The pair finished the match with 10 goals combined and only one missed attempt, but with a historic victory in their hands.

Photos © kolektiff images