Messines beat Ljubljana and move closer to the quarter-finals of the Champions League

Like last weekend away (34-25), the Metz handball players dominated Saturday at home in Ljubljana (34-30) and are taking a step towards direct qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The “Dragonnes”, the only undefeated team in the competition, are after eight days out of 14 seven lengths ahead at the top of group A (15 pts) over the Slovenes (3rd) and CSM Bucharest, traveling to the tournament room on Sunday. Hungarians from Ferencvaros (12 pts).

One of the first two places in their group, which offers a ticket to the quarters without going through the play-offs, will extend its arms to them in the event of a victory at home against CSM Bucharest on the next day. It will be in January, after the Euro (November 28-December 15 in Switzerland, Austria and Hungary): they can approach the long international break with the feeling of a job well done.

Emmanuel Mayonnade’s players had more trouble than last week against a team which has since changed coach. They widened the gap at the start of the second half (19-13, 38th) thanks to saves from Cléopâtre Darleux (10/39, 25% success) and the shooting precision of Chloé Valentini (9/12) and Sarah Bouktit (9/10), served in a quick transition game or on attacks placed by the excellent young Hungarian leader Petra Vamos (4/6 and 7 assists decisive). The Lorraines then controlled the return of the Slovenes, led by Grace Zaadi Deuna (3/4 and 9 assists) more prominent than the other French international, Tamara Horacek (1/4 and 3 pd).