Budapest – 06.06.2026: On Saturday, Metz Handball secured the first final appearance in the history of the club in the Women’s Handball Champions League with a clear win against CSM Bucharest. In the semifinal of the Final Four held at the MVM Dome in Budapest, the Lorraine team prevailed 27-20 and will now face the winner of the match between Brest and Györ in the final.
The match started with strong defense from both teams. However, Metz gained an early lead and continuously extended it. Special mention goes to Anna Mette Hansen, who scored seven goals and was instrumental in the success. Her opponents found hardly any means to counter her breakthrough power. Goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen demonstrated her quality with several crucial saves, decisively holding the opponents at bay. The cooperation between defense and goalkeeper was a key factor in the clear victory.
Reaching the final is a historic milestone for Metz Handball. In recent years, the Lorraine team has repeatedly fallen in the semifinals, most recently in 2025 against Brest. Now, they have the chance to win the first European title in the club’s history – a great achievement for French handball and especially for the Lorraine region.
The opponent in the final will emerge from the duel between the French club Brest and the Hungarian defending champion Györ. Should the final be between Metz and Brest, it would be the first all-French final in the Women’s Handball Champions League. This scenario would further fuel the rivalry between the two top teams in the country. Brest has been a major force in European women’s handball for years, and the potential matchup promises a high-class and exciting final.
In the current season, Metz Handball has impressed not only in the Champions League but also in the French league with an impressive record. With an almost flawless season, the Lorraine team is close to defending their national title, demonstrating consistent performance on both national and international levels.
The success of Metz Handball underlines the significance and level of French women’s handball in Europe. In addition to Metz and Brest, other French teams have also impressed internationally in recent years, highlighting the growing competitiveness and popularity of the sport in France.
The final promises handball at the highest level with thrilling actions and great fighting spirit. Metz’s fans, who are already numerous in Budapest, hope that their team can celebrate the club’s first Champions League title on Sunday.
Sources
- L’Équipe
- L’Est Républicain