Montpellier Reaches Quarterfinals of European Handball League
Winner against Elverum with twelve goals difference in the first leg of the European Handball League playoffs, Montpellier lost by four goals in Norway and will therefore play in the quarterfinals against Vardar Skopje.
Last year’s European League finalist, Montpellier will at least be a quarterfinalist this season. After a convincing victory in the first leg of the playoffs, the club did not collapse and secured two additional matches in the European competition. Finishing third in their second group phase, Montpellier was required to play a playoff against Elverum, who finished second in their group. The first leg went well with a 36-24 victory. It would have taken a catastrophe in Norway for Montpellier to be eliminated, which did not happen. Montpellier did lose, but only by four goals (35-31), guaranteeing their spot in the quarterfinals.
Montpellier remained strong throughout the first half, leading by two goals multiple times and even by three towards the end of the period. Elverum, led by Dominik Mathé, managed to come back before halftime with just one goal behind. The lead fluctuated between one or two goals for a long time and eventually increased to +4, but with only five minutes left to play. The Norwegians started the second half with a 3-0 run but were unable to lead, allowing Montpellier to finish the match confidently.
Hugo Monte Dos Santos and David Balaguer Romeu were the top scorers for Montpellier. In goalkeeping, Charles Bolzinger made 5 saves out of 32 shots, and Rémi Desbonnet made 1 out of 9. The main objective was achieved after the first leg. Montpellier will face Vardar Skopje on April 28 and May 5, with the first leg in Hérault. The Macedonian club won their group, avoiding the playoffs. The two teams last met in the 2021-22 Champions League season.
Montpellier’s top scorers: Monte Dos Santos (5), Balaguer Romeu (5), Moraes Ferreira (4), Simonet (3), Casado (3), Richert (3), Guigon (3), Lenne (2), Porte (2).
