Montpellier start European campaign with comfortable win

After having considerable success last season, the French powerhouse began their VELUX EHF Champions League campaign this season with a convincing win over Lino Cervar’s enthusiastic side.

• Montpellier confirm their status as group D favourite.
• Montpellier have defeated Metalurg in each of the last three encounters between the teams.
• A total of 13 outfield players scored for Montpellier.

Montpellier HB (FRA) vs HC Metalurg (MKD) 32:22 (19:11)

The French Group D favourites claimed a convincing 32:22 win in their first match against HC Metalurg.

A one man show

It took a few minutes for Montpellier to settle into the match and grab the lead against the young and determined Metalurg side. Indeed, it took a little less than twelve minutes for anyone from the French team to join their teammate Michael Guigou on the score card.

The 35-year-old Montpellier legend on the left wing was deadly accurate, especially from counter attacks. He had his biggest influence on the game in the first half, where he scored six goals.

A dominant start

Montpellier stepped into the new season with the right foot. After a convincing win over Chambery Savoie in their domestic championship, they showed in Round 1 against Metalurg why experts think they will do well this season, even without Jure Dolenec.

The value of experience

Montpellier’s quality prevailed over time, as they found gaps in the away defence, especially in the central areas. Metalurg paid the price for their lack of experience, and they lost far too many balls in attack.

Patrice Canayer, Montpellier's Coach, was pleased with his teams performance:

"We are very satisfied, we put in a solid performance against a young team of quality. We defended well and our fast breaks were good.

It’s a good start to the season, the team have reacted well and we must continue in the same way."