Metz edges Esbjerg in Champions League Clash, Ending Two-Year Losing streak
Metz Handball secured a hard-fought victory against Team Esbjerg on Sunday, reversing the result of their previous two Champions League bronze-medal match encounters. the win denied a potential Danish sweep in the opening round following earlier victories for Odense adn Ikast.
The match saw Norwegian international Nora Mork make a triumphant return to Champions League play after taking time off for maternity leave. Mork converted from the seven-metre line to give Esbjerg a two-goal advantage during a tightly contested first half.
Goalkeepers Anna Kristensen of Esbjerg and Johanna Bundsen of Metz proved pivotal early on, showcasing a series of remarkable saves. Metz rallied before halftime, with Lucie Granier’s late goal – supported by Bundsen’s strong performance in goal – establishing a 15-15 tie at the interval.
Esbjerg briefly regained a three-goal lead (21-18) with twenty minutes remaining, but a tactical timeout called by Metz coach Emmanuel Mayonnade proved decisive. The French side swiftly regained control, ultimately securing the win thanks to Bundsen’s continued heroics. Despite a final possibility to equalize, Esbjerg were unable to overcome the deficit.
esbjerg had previously defeated Metz in the bronze-medal matches at the last two Champions League Final4 tournaments.
