Metz extend winning streak with a comeback

Group B

Storhamar Handball Elite (NOR) vs Metz Handball (FRA) 24:26 (16:11)

• a dream start for the home team - Storhamar propelled to a 5:0 leaving group leaders without a goal for seven minutes
• Eli Marie Raasok's nine saves at half-time and a strong Storhamar defence were giving trouble to Metz's attack who was only at 46% attack efficiency in the first 30 minutes
• the French side stepped up a gear in the closing minutes of the first-half narrowing the gap, and remained on the same course in the second half and with an 8:1 goal run took over the lead
• Storhamar's attack efficiency dropped from 59% to 29%, while Metz bounced back to a 60% attack efficiency
• Hatadou Sako joined Eli Marie Raasok with her assortment of saves helping Metz stay in front until the end of the match, even though Guro Nestaker brought Storhamar close to a draw on two occasions

Strong comeback 

Metz remain unbeaten for nine rounds straight, slipping only against Team Esbjerg in round 5 and drawing with Rapid Bucuresti in round 2. Emannuel Mayonnade's team are the powerhouse of the competition, securing first place in the group and a quarter-final spot ahead of the last round. With an ability to play without pressure, Metz entered the game on a slow foot but their true strength come to light in the second half. When Metz set a strong defence and produce easy goals from good transition, nothing can stop them.

Storhamar's top performance was not enough to produce a surprise of the round but the competition's debutant have a solid ground to build on ahead of the play-offs clash against Odense Håndbold. They have overcome their lack of experience and with Scandinavian touch reached their first-ever knock-out stage in the EHF Champions League.