The French opened the game in style this time, with Tyra Axnér scoring from distance. But the Tigresses were more competitive than a week ago. Jovanka Radičević scored the equaliser after a fine first attack, and Ana Gros‘ shot in the ninth minute was also remarkable as she captained her team from a difficult position to take their first lead.
Unfortunately, the joy did not last long. A moment of indiscretion when Tatjana Brnović and Tjaša Stanko were sent off almost at the same time in black jerseys. Fortunately, the two-minute absence of two players in Žiga Novak ‘s line-up was not fatal, as the handball players returned to the floor with the score level at 7:7.
The game was then played goal for goal. Until the 21st minute, when the French were the first to take a +2 lead. The expected reaction of this time’s coach of Krim Family, who took a one-minute break. But it didn’t bring any more promising play.
Cléopatre Darleux Mingam played in goal for the home team, while her teammates scored in attack. The biggest advantage the players in yellow managed to gain was four goals. This lead was slightly reduced by Brnović just before the siren sounded, marking the end of the first half. She scored for 14:11.
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A three-goal deficit predicted an evenly-matched continuation, but against a team unbeaten this season, it wasn’t so easy. Emmanuel Mayonnado’ s charges first led by five goals and then by six. Amra Pandžić made two consecutive saves midway through the second half to bring the Tigresses to within four goals. They managed to do it with four minutes to go. Unfortunately, it was not more than that.
The score was also four goals apart after 60 minutes of play – 34:30 on the scoreboard.
European club handball is now almost two months away. Just in time for the Tigresses to reassemble their mosaic and return to the scene stronger than ever after the New Year. Tickets for all home games in the second half of the EHF Champions League group stage are available HERE.
Žiga Novak, head coach of Krim Mercator: »The first wish came true: we showed more energy on the court. Unfortunately, it was not enough. We talked a lot about the details, and the details made the difference. We attacked, we had nothing to defend. In the second half we started with enough courage to turn the game around. But we didn’t have enough energy and power.«
Ana Gros, captain of Krim Mercator: »The performance was better than on Sunday at home. We fought all 60 minutes and gave our best. It was a couple of missed shots at the start of the second half that Metz took advantage of to make the difference. We chased them all the time in the sequel. Anyway… the attacking play was much better, but we still have a lot of reserves in defence. I believe that after the break we will continue with the good play we showed today.«
EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, GROUP STAGE (ROUND 8)
Saturday, 16th November 2024, oat 18.00
METZ HANDBALL (FRA) : KRIM MERCATOR 34:30 (14:11)
Metz Handball: Valentini 9, Pineau 1, Hansen 2, Axner 4, Augustine 1, Darleux Mingam, Flippes, Mlamali, Jacques, Bouktit 9, Granier 4, Grandveau, Chambertin, Szemerey, Vamos 4, Errard.
Krim Mercator: Radičević 6, Stanko 4, Gros 4, Zaadi Deuna 3, Mavsar 2, A. Abina, N’Diaye, Vojnovič, Gutierrez Bermejo 2, Pandžić, Horaček 1, Ngombele, Brnović 6, Ignjatović, Grbić 2.
7-meters: Metz Handball 4/4, Krim Mercator 2/3
2-minutes: Metz Handball 2 min, Krim Mercator 8 min