Montpellier plays a joker by losing to Aix at home before facing Skopje in the European League

Montpellier Handball struggled against Aix (29-33) despite a strong start and a five-goal lead. A collective lapse cost MHB dearly, defeated before their European quarterfinal.

The Montpellier players, aiming to prepare well for the European League quarterfinal, tried to set the pace but faced an inspired Joze Baznik in goal (7/20 in the first half). Despite Montpellier leading the race and having a chance to widen the gap, they missed too many opportunities, allowing Aix to get back into the game. Aix closed the gap to just one goal by halftime.

Erick Mathé, Montpellier’s coach, expressed disappointment: “We started well even though we missed many 6-meter shots. We had a good start in the second half, then we stopped playing. From there, it was an individual sport in attack. Everyone wanted to go alone, our collective game was disrupted. We can only blame ourselves. We should have controlled the match easily, we were in the right tempo and it ended in defeat. We lacked concentration, defensive lightness. I am annoyed by this collective performance.”

Despite a difficult start to the second half, Montpellier managed to take a five-goal lead (40th minute). However, they allowed Aix to claw back and eventually surpass them, winning by four goals. A comeback that reflects the Aixois’ strong reaction. Montpellier, on the other hand, may have already had their eye on Europe.

Fact Check: – Montpellier Handball (MHB) faced Aix and lost 29-33. – The match was a European League quarterfinal. – Montpellier initially had a strong lead but lost to Aix in the end.