OGC Nice Handball: The Eaglets triumph against Larvik on their return to Europe

For its return to European competition, OGC Nice Handball prevailed by a narrow margin against Larvik (28-27), this Saturday evening at the Charles-Ehrmann hall. The Nice players led for a long time before seeing the Norwegian players come back and take the lead in the final minutes. Louna Benezeth, with eight goals, notably carried the Eagles through this end of the match.

The Charles-Ehrmann hall found Europe this Saturday evening. For its return to the continental stage, OGC Nice Handball hosted Larvik, a club that has significant experience in European competitions. Despite a difficult start to the season in the championship, with three defeats in the first four rounds, the Nice players had the opportunity to measure themselves against an opponent accustomed to these encounters.

Marine Dupuis notably took responsibility from the start of the match. The Nice captain scored four consecutive goals to allow her team to gain an initial advantage. At the 15th minute, Nice had a three-goal lead (8-5).

Larvik, however, did not let the Nice players settle into the match. The Norwegian players quickly reacted by capitalizing on opposing errors. Facing an aggressive Nice defense, Larvik’s simple and direct play regularly allowed them to maintain pressure. At halftime, OGC Nice Handball had only a one-goal lead 15-14.

OGC Nice holds on until the end

Upon returning from the locker room, the Nice players continued to seek solutions against the Norwegian defense. Offensive success was not always there, but a new strong period allowed the Eagles to regain several goals’ lead.

Louna Benezeth notably distinguished herself at pivot. Her goal at the 38th minute allowed the Eagles to lead 20-17. Once again, Larvik found the resources to stay in the match.

The final minutes then completely reignited the encounter. Despite the intensity imposed by the Nice players, the Norwegian players came back level at 24-24, before taking the lead for the first time in the match five minutes from the end at 25-24.

Nice then had to resist the pressure. Louna Benezeth ultimately scored another goal to allow the Eagles to regain the advantage. Immediately after, Cécilia Errin made a decisive save. This allowed OGC Nice Handball to maintain a narrow lead until the final whistle and win (28-27).

Louna Benezeth finished the match with eight goals. The off-season recruit, Manon Gravelle added six goals, while Marine Dupuis scored five.

This victory especially allows the Nice players to begin their European campaign with a success before traveling to Norway. The return match will be played next Saturday in Larvik, with a place in the third preliminary round of the EHF European League at stake.

Before that, the Eagles will return to the championship on Wednesday with the reception of Dijon. An encounter that will also have a particular dimension since the Burgundy club is the defending champion of the EHF European League.