Nina Dury revient sur le sacre de la JDA Dijon Handball en finale de la Ligue européenne
Nina Dury (22 years old) reflected on JDA Dijon Handball’s victory in the European League final. For the winger developed by the club, this match was exceptional.
The feat is remarkable! In front of a boiling Palais des Sports, the Dijonnaises clinched their first European title on Sunday. Against the defending champions, German team Thüringer, Dijon, trailing by nine goals at halftime (15-6), came back to win by four (29-25) at the final whistle. An unlikely scenario and exceptional joy among the Dijon team. Coach Clément Alcacer, constantly repeating “we will do it” as they returned to the locker room, saw his team rise to the occasion. “I am super proud of the girls. I have an incredible chance to have them, to have this club, this staff. This title is the success of the whole club. When we see Palais des Sports on fire tonight, supporting us to come back… All these people gave us incredible energy. I can only be a proud and happy coach to experience this with these girls.”
“We felt uplifted with every goal”
Already heroic in the semifinals, the Dijonnaises completely upset the odds in the second act. Led by the Final Four MVP, Adriana Holejova (15 goals in both games), the team from Côte-d’Or dominated their opponent, despite missing their Japanese center, Aizawa, due to injury. Developed by the club, Nina Dury reflected on this completely crazy turnaround. “Honestly, I realized it was possible when we were up by 3 in the 59th minute. But it’s thanks to this enthusiasm and the whole crowd pushing. With every goal, we felt uplifted, even in the first half when we were far, far behind.”
By winning this title, the Dijonnaises have written the most beautiful page in the club’s European history. Now, Europe has taken notice, as highlighted by the French international winger. “It means a lot. Because it’s a club that gives us a lot. On a daily basis, we are really well supported here. The club’s people are setting up many things, they organized this Final Four at home. They deserved us to win this first title. And our team as well, with players leaving, players arriving. I think we are sending a strong message to Europe. We will officially be able to put Dijon on the map.”
