Champions League (W): Metz qualified for the Final Four

The Metz players emerged victorious this Saturday in the return quarter-final of the Champions League. The Dragonnes dominated Ferencvaros (31-28) and will advance to the Final Four.

Three in a row! Metz will indeed travel to Budapest (Hungary) on June 6 and 7 to participate in the Final Four of the women’s Champions League. Held to a draw in the first leg against the Hungarian team Ferencvaros (31-31), Metz faced a tough challenge this Saturday but managed to secure a deserved qualification based on their gameplay. With a strong finish in the first half, the Dragonnes counted on Tyra Axner (8 goals) and Valentine Granier to widen the gap (18-12). Despite being comfortable offensively, the Mayonnade team faced some anxieties in the second half. The opposing goalkeeper shone while the Metz attackers struggled. Luckily, the Swedish duo from the Lorraine club made the difference in the match.

Axner-Bundsen lead Metz

« I’m so relieved. We fought throughout the match. We never doubted or gave up. I’m so proud of us. I’m so happy with this team », commented Axner at the end of the match. As she will leave Metz at the end of the season, the Swedish left-back was omnipresent, just like her compatriot in the national team. Indeed, Johanna Bundsen ended the match with 15 saves in the goal. While the Hungarians had opportunities to level the score, Bundsen made decisive saves, especially on a penalty in the late stages of the match. On the other side, the 11 goals from Petra Anna Simon tried to spark a comeback for FTC, but some ambitious shots and missed attempts, like Emily Vogel’s shot into an empty net (28-26), reduced the visitor’s chances of qualification.

« It was a tough match. We started poorly, but the end of the first half allowed us to widen the gap. The start of the second half wasn’t ideal either, but we eventually managed to turn things around and secure the victory. It’s time to celebrate! As for the EHF FINAL4 tournament, the goal is to go as far as possible », said Bundsen at the end of the match. Metz could be joined by Brest if the Breton team secures their spot on Sunday.