Comeback Metz hands Buducnost first defeat

Thanks to a late rally, Metz Handball defeated Buducnost 28:25 and jumped into first position in the group.

• After two-goal loss in away game, Metz now wins by three to overtake Buducnost on top of group

• Buducnost suffered first defeat in five games but obviously had already qualified for main round

• Metz used impressive 12:5 series to overturn their 16:20 deficit from early in second half

Metz Handball (FRA) vs Buducnost (MNE) 28:25 (14:16)

Both teams had already sealed their place in the main round but important points to be taken to the second stage of the Women's EHF Champions League were at stake.

Buducnost came to maintain their spotless record but their hard-fought home victory against the French team promised a tight encounter for their second meeting.

After Laura Glauser started brightly in the goal of the home side, Buducnost gained control of the game and were mostly up front by a small margin in the first half.

Cristina Neagu was once again the focal point for Buducnost’s attacks, while Sladana Pop-Lazic kept Metz in close range with her goals. The Montenegrin side eventually had a two-goal lead at half-time but they conceded 14 goals.

Margin starts to grow

Marta Batinovic made some important saves and the margin started to grow after half-time by goals from Biljana Novocic. But after a quick time out, Grace Zaadi Deuna & Co. got back in the game thanks to an excellent run and despite some technical problems.

Buducnost lost grip of the game this time as the resilient home side fought back and turned the game around. Metz won the last 10 minutes by an impressive run and ended the visitors' unbeaten run in the Women’s EHF Champions League.

It was even more important for Metz to win by three goals, having lost the away game in Podgorica by just two, as both teams are now level on points. Buducnost host Glassverket while Metz play at Thüringer HC in the last round.