**This Sunday, June 8, 2025, marked the last day of the Ligue Butagaz Energie. OGC Nice handball traveled to the Arènes de Metz to face the Metz powerhouse for the 26th matchday.**
There was no miracle this afternoon. In this last match of the Ligue Butagaz Energie season, OGC Nice handball logically prevailed against the Messines, who will remain undefeated this season in the championship.
Right from the start, the Azuréennes were present, relying on their team spirit and an effective offense led by a blazing Marie-Hélène Sajka (ten goals). For the first twenty minutes, Nice stood up to Metz, consistently bridging the gap. By the 20th minute, the scoreboard still showed a perfect tie (10-10), a testament to the resistance and fighting spirit of the visitors.
But from the 23rd minute on, the Metz steamroller began to take over. The local defense, more aggressive and better organized, managed to contain the Nice offensives, while Sarah Bouktit (seven goals) and Emma Jacques (five goals) accelerated the pace. Metz then strung together several goals, quickly taking the lead. By halftime, the score was already in their favor (17-11).
**OGC Nice collapsed at the end of the match**
The second half started even more complicated for Nice, with Metz scoring three goals in the first few minutes without a reply. However, Sébastien Mizoule’s players managed to regroup. Led by the notable performances of Marine Dupuis (five goals), Marie Fall (three goals), and Raïssa Dapina (two goals), they continued to fight for each ball.
It is also important to highlight the excellent performance of goalkeeper Nicole Wiggins, who made several decisive saves in the first half, keeping her team in the game. Her distant duel with Zsofi Szemerey, the Metz goalkeeper, set the pace for the first 30 minutes of the match.
OGC Nice also demonstrated their mental strength. Despite the gap growing to +10 by the 41st minute (28-18), the Niçoises never gave up. They continued to play, attempt, and impose their rhythm whenever a window of opportunity presented itself. Gordana Mitrovic added her touch in the second half, scoring two goals, as did Lucie Bianchi at the end of the match.
This match, while resulting in a logical defeat against one of the best European teams, highlighted the mental and physical resources of OGC Nice. With a young and combative group and well-managed rotations, the Azur club proved it belongs in this elite. Even though hopes for European qualification faded at the end of the season, the Niçoises did not disappoint throughout the season. They need to gain a bit more consistency, and the results will come on their own.
It’s worth noting that Nice scored 15 goals in the second half, matching Metz’s total for the same period. This figure well illustrates the spirit of defiance of the Nice players, who never stopped believing, even against a more experienced team.
The final score of (37-26) only partially reflects the intensity of the match. Metz showcased their power and experience, but Nice demonstrated that they know how to travel, play without complexes, and pose problems for any opponent. An attitude to cultivate for upcoming challenges.
