The European Handball Federation carried out the draw for the group stage of the Champions League this Thursday, June 27. As since 2017, Brest Bretagne Handball and Metz Handball will be there, and will represent French women’s handball in the most prestigious European competition.
Semi-finalist of the competition in 2023, Metz Handball was drawn into group A. A group which on paper is very affordable for the French champion, who will carry the legitimate label of favorite. The Dragonnes will, however, have to be intractable, particularly against opponents like FTC Rail Cargo Hungaria, CSM Bucharest, or even Krim Mercator, who strengthened in the off-season with the arrival of Ana Gros. Despite a renewed squad, Metz Handball will aim for first place in its group, with the desire to go as far as possible in this Champions League.
For its part, the BBH will have a lot to do in the group. Eighth finalist in 2023, the Breton club inherited the last two champions of the competition (Györ and Vipers), without forgetting the Danish teams of Team Esbjerg and Odense. With a squad largely overhauled in the off-season, Brest will have to quickly find its rhythm, to seek a qualifying place for the final stages of the Champions League.
Once again, the two French clubs will have a good card to play next season in the Champions League, enough to offer a great showcase for French women’s handball.
the groups
FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN)
Metz Handball (FRA)
CSM Bucharest (ROU)
Krim Mercator Ljubljana (SLO)
Storhamar Handball Elite (NOR)
Nykøbing Falster Handball Club (DEN)
HC Podravka Vegeta (CRO)
CS Gloria 2018 BN (ROU)
Vipers Kristiansand (NOR)
Team Esbjerg (DEN)
The future of BEMAX (MNE)
HB Ludwigsburg (GER)
Györi Audi ETO KC (HUN)
Brest Bretagne Handball (FRA)
Rapid Bucharest (ROU)
Odense Handball (DEN)
