EHF Champions League 2023/24 – 5. Round

Metz HB vs Rapid Bucuresti 33:22 (16:10)

by J. Schuetz

Before the Match

Metz HB was aiming for a second home win against one of the two Romanian representatives in the 2023/24 EHF Champions League season.

Dutch star player, Estavana Polman, reinforced the lineup of Rapid Bucuresti after an injury break, while the Kanor twins and Ivana Kapitanovic enjoyed a return to their former club.

The Result

Rapid’s resistance only lasted for less than ten minutes before the French champions began to pull away, powered by an outstanding performance of Danish international, Kristina Jorgensen, who scored 8 of her game high eleven goals before the break.

After the game, head coach, David Ginesta Montes, confirmed that Rapid could could not find a solution against the 5:1 defense formation of Metz, in the first half.

1st Half

In the fourth minute Dorina Korsos (Rapid Bucuresti) secured a 3:2 advantage, but it would be the last lead for her team. On the other side Kristian Jorgensen made her presence felt; the powerful backcourt player scored half of 16 Metz goals in the first half, while goalkeeper Hatadou Sako shut down Rapid’s offense.

2nd Half

After the break Metz cruised to a ten-goal win without being pushed to the limit. The result could have been easily higher if the team of head coach, “Manu” Mayonnade, would have pressed the pedal to the metal. A circumstance he addressed in the press conference after the end of the match.

Player of the Match

Kristina Jorgensen’s 11 of 13 shooting or Hatatdou Sako’s 33% save rate equally qualified for the award. For sure, 3.953 spectators were treated to exceptional performances on either side of the pitch by the two Metz players.

Scorers

Metz HB

A. Grijseels (1), C. Valentini (2), A-M Hansen (2), K. Jorgensen (11/13), M. Brkic (1), L. Vinter Burgaard (3), E. Jacques (1), S. Bouktit (8), L. Granier (4)

Rapid Bucuresti

A. Kassoma (1), M. Lopez (3), M. Mogensen (2), D. Korsos (2), L. Kanor (2), O. Kanor (2), L. Ostase (1), A. Badea (2), E. Polman(2), A. Janusevic (4), S. Grozav (1)

Post- Game Reactions

Emmanuel Mayonnade (Metz HB)

“I am happy with the result, of course. Right now, we have a five point lead over FTC, which is important for the qualification.  Today, we did what we needed to do to win. As Bucuresti, we did not have much time to prepare for the match because of the international week, but we worked very well in the past 2-3 days. For us it was important to win at home after the match against Ikast. So, yes, I am happy.”

David Ginesta Montes (Rapid Bucuresti)

“Congratulations – Metz played a very good game. In the first half our offense struggled against their 5:1 defense. Metz played at a high level and scored several easy goals.  It frustrated our efforts.  These are the key points for our result today.”

Louise Vinter Burgaard (Metz HB)

SOUND ON – After the match @saschastaat caught up with Louise Vinter Burgaard, who summed up the @ehfcl win of @MetzHandball against Rapid Bucuresti #METRAP 33:22 (16:10).#handball pic.twitter.com/P4wb6OG8WP

— stregspiller (@stregspiller) October 23, 2023

SOUND ON – In the interview with @saschastaat Louise Vinter Burgaard looks forward to a physical @ehfcl match between @MetzHandball and @VipersKrSand .#handball pic.twitter.com/NjnhwqyqjR

— stregspiller (@stregspiller) October 23, 2023

Ivana Kapitanovic (Rapid Bucuresti)

SOUND ON – “A handball match lasts 60 minutes” – in the interview with @saschastaat , Ivana Kapitanovic the goalkeeper of Rapid Bucuresti sums up the @ehfcl loss against @MetzHandball #METRAP 33:22 (16:10).#handball pic.twitter.com/Hz54gjq38d

— stregspiller (@stregspiller) October 23, 2023

Estavana Polman (Rapid Bucuresti)

SOUND ON – straight talk with Estavana Polman after the decisive loss of Rapid Bucuresti in the @ehfcl match against @MetzHandball #METRAP 33:22 (16:10). @saschastaat talked with the Dutch star player.#handball pic.twitter.com/WzEQZRHW3n

— stregspiller (@stregspiller) October 23, 2023