Neptunes secure a return to the EHF Finals after a three- year absence

QUARTER-FINALS, SECOND LEG

Sola HK (NOR) vs Neptunes Nantes (FRA) 30:39 (10:17)

Neptunes Nantes won (70:57) on aggregate

• the visitors took their biggest (seven-goal) lead of the opening 30 minutes at the break by displaying a composed and experienced performance in the final minutes of the first half
• young goalkeeper, Floriane Andre made ten saves in the first half having a sky-high shot-stopping percentage (50), finishing the match with 15 saves overall
• Sola HK took a risky seven-against-six approach in the second half in a last-ditch attempt to narrow the difference, but it backfired for them as Neptunes Nantes extended their lead with a few easy goals on an empty net
• Marie Hélène Sajka was the top scorer of the match going for eight goals from just as much attempts 

Strong defense made all the difference for Neptunes Nantes

With Sola HK being one of the most efficient teams in the EHF's second-tier club competition, it was a surprise to see them ending up being restricted to only 10 goals in the opening 30 minutes of the match. However, Neptunes' quality defence, combined with Floriane Andre's brilliance, proved to be too much for Sola today. At one point, Sola HK looked frustrated as they simply weren't able to find a way through the guest team defence led by Onancia Ondono, and even in situations when they did - the French team goalie was there to stop the shot.  The final ten minutes, in which Neptunes from Nantes finally managed to break home team resistance proved to be the key in this one signalling the end of all hopes for Sola.