Budapest – 06.06.2026: On Saturday, Metz Handball reached the final of the Women’s Handball Champions League for the first time in the club’s history with a clear victory against CSM Bucharest. In the Final Four semifinal, played at the MVM Dome in Budapest, the Lorraine players won 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 took the lead early and gradually extended their advantage. Noteworthy was the performance of Anna Mette Hansen, who scored seven goals, contributing decisively to the success. Her opponents found few countermeasures against her ability to penetrate. Goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen demonstrated her value with several important saves, maintaining control over the opposing team. The teamwork between defense and goalkeeper was a key factor for this clear victory.
Reaching the final represents a historic milestone for Metz Handball. In previous years, the Lorraine players had often been eliminated 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 success for French handball and especially for the Lorraine region.
The opponent in the final will emerge from the contest between the French club Brest and the Hungarian title holder Györ. If the final is between Metz and Brest, it will be the first all-French final in the Women’s Handball Champions League. This situation would further fuel the rivalry between the two best teams in the country. Brest has been a well-established player in European women’s handball for years, and this possible encounter promises a final of very high quality and intense competition.
This season, Metz Handball has distinguished itself not only in the Champions League, but also in the French league, showing an impressive record. With an almost perfect season, the Lorraine players are close to defending their national title, thus demonstrating consistency and strength both at national and international levels.
Metz Handball’s success highlights the importance and level of French women’s handball in Europe. Besides Metz and Brest, other French teams have also shone internationally in recent years, reflecting the growing competitiveness and popularity of this sport in France.
The final match promises top-level handball, with exciting actions and great competitiveness. Metz fans, already numerous in Budapest, hope that their team can celebrate the first Champions League title in the club’s history on Sunday.
Sources
- L’Équipe
- L’Est Républicain