OGC Nice Handball wins 29-28 on Metz Handball’s field but is eliminated by just one goal. The lackluster first leg and the turnovers in the return match will leave many regrets. The Nice team has two matches left to secure the last objective of the season, qualification for the European Cup.
They came within a whisker of a qualification ticket for the semi-finals. But a missed shot and a zone defense got the better of the valiant Nice team, who came so close to a great feat on Metz soil. Coach Sébastien Gardillou’s team missed just one goal to overcome Metz Handball and join Issy-Paris in the final four.
The first half was clearly in favor of the Metz team, who took control of the match thanks to an efficient attack, expertly led by Ana Gros (6 goals, 14 in total). The gap varied from two to three goals thanks to the vengeful captain, Alexandra Lacrabère, who had a 0/14 in the championship. The pleasant surprise came from the Brazilian Samira Rocha, on her wing, with three goals (10-10, 14th minute). At halftime, Metz led 17-15, but Nice was still close and could count on their goalkeeper, Cléopâtre Darleux, who was outstanding.
After the break, the Metz team continued their good attacking work with the inevitable Ana Gros and the French international Paule Baudouin. However, a strong performance from Beatriz Escribano got OGC Nice Handball back on track (22-22, 45th minute). At the 50th minute, the team from the French Riviera took the lead for the first time thanks to Karen Knuttsdottir (23-24), and even gained a two-goal lead with a classy action from Alexandra Lacrabère (23-25, 53rd minute). The timeout taken by the Metz coach was beneficial, as his players returned to equal terms and Ana Gros continued her demolition work (27-27, 57th minute). The Icelander Knuttsdottir gave Nice a one-goal lead again, keeping their hopes alive on the bench for qualification, but in the following action, Gros killed any suspense.
It’s a nice victory against the multiple French champions, which ultimately served no purpose except to demonstrate that OGC Nice Handball has reached a new level this season with the Lacrabère-Darleux duo. Now, they face a home-and-away confrontation, likely against Nantes (beaten by Nîmes on Sunday) to secure the fifth place synonymous with Europe next season.
