Second half performance lifts Metz to win

GROUP B

Kastamonu Belediyesi GSK (TUR) vs Metz Handball (FRA) 23:28 (13:13)

• it was a slow start to the game as the first goal by Kastamonu came after two minutes of play
• the Turkish side got off to a good start and earned a two-goal lead which they held six times in the first half
• Metz trailed for mot of the first half, but equalised on two occasions thanks to Kastamonu's empty net
• The French club turned things around at the beginning of the second half. Boosted by Metz's top scorer, Laura Kanor, they went on a three goal run, which turned out to be decisive for the end result as Kastamonu could not make a comeback
• Katarina Jezic was Kastamonu's top scorer - her six goals, though, were not enough for a surprise on the home ground

Second half performance is the key

Metz might not have played at their highest level against Kastamonu, but they still managed to snatch two points in the EHF Champions League Women, taking over first place in group B for the moment. After a slow start in the first half and eventually equalising right before halftime Metz woke up in the second half. Stronger defence, quicker transitions and easier goals resulted in a higher attack efficiency percentage. The French side had a 65 per cent attack efficiency in the first half but increased it to 74 per cent in the second half, while their opponent's efficiency remained under 58 per cent.