EHF – Győr beat feisty Metz for Final4 place

Győri Audi ETO KC turned Metz Handball’s one-goal advantage from the first leg around with a 28:22 victory to seal their place in the TIPPMIX EHF FINAL4, where the Hungarian team complete the same line-up as last year. Ambros Martín’s team played well.

QUARTER-FINAL, SECOND LEG:

Győri Audi ETO KC (HUN) vs Metz Handball (FRA) 28:22 (17:12)
Győr win 59-54 on aggregate

Metz Handball were eager to be the second team to avoid defeat in the notorious Audi Arena, which would make them reach the TIPPMIX EHF FINAL4 for the first time at the expense of last year’s runners-up Győri ETO.

Győr immediately went ahead but could not extend their lead because of the massive Metz defence and the magnificent Laura Glauser, who started brightly in Metz’s goal.

However, the home side’s defence worked even better and led by the outstanding Eduarda Amorim, Győr started to slowly add to their lead.

Physical approach

The outstanding player of the first game, Ana Gros, missed all her shots in the first half and Metz struggled to find their way past the massive Győr wall and Kari Aalvik Grimsbö.

It was not the kind of high tempo running game like the first leg. Both teams had to work hard to create scoring chances as defences dominated the first period.

Manu Mayonnade proved the visitors were ready to put up a fight even when the match became more physical and the tempo was much lower than in the first leg. Metz managed to remain close as a 3-0 run cut Győr’s lead to one goal thanks to efforts of Grace Zaadi Denua and Marion Maubon.