Metz Handball are champions of Europe for the first time in club history. Led by a sensational attacking display from Sarah Bouktit and Lena Grandveau, the French side defeated defending champions Győr in Sunday’s EHF Champions League final to finally capture the trophy that had eluded them for so many years.
The victory ends Győrs hopes of securing a third consecutive Champions League title and an eighth overall crown, while Metz complete one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s history.
The final began at a blistering pace. Győr held a narrow 6–5 lead after seven minutes as both teams traded goals in an open and entertaining start. Bruna de Paula impressed early for Győr, but it quickly became clear that Metz had found a formula that was difficult to stop.
That formula was the connection between Grandveau and Bouktit.
Time and again, Grandveau broke through the Hungarian defense before finding Bouktit near the six-meter line. The partnership proved devastating. Bouktit had already scored seven goals after 22 minutes and continued to punish Győr throughout the opening half.
Despite eight first-half saves from Hatadou Sako, Metz managed to edge in front before the break. Fittingly, it was Bouktit who scored her ninth goal of the half to give the French side an 18–17 advantage at halftime.
The turning point came early in the second half.
Metz capitalized on a series of Győr mistakes and suspensions to build a lead. Chloé Valentini extended the advantage to four goals after another assist from Grandveau, while Tyra Axnér also made several important contributions as the French champions began to take control.
When Metz moved ahead 27–22 with around 15 minutes remaining, Győr suddenly found themselves under enormous pressure.
The Hungarian giants attempted a comeback behind Tjasa Stanko, who scored three consecutive goals to reduce the deficit, but Metz never completely lost control of the contest.
A red card for Kristine Breistøl in the closing stages further complicated matters for Győr, and when Johanna Bundsen produced a crucial save with just minutes remaining, the momentum shifted decisively in Metz’s favor.
Bundsen once again delivered on the biggest stage after her outstanding 17-save performance in the semifinal against CSM București. But this final belonged above all to Metz’s attacking stars.
Bouktit finished as the dominant scoring threat throughout the match, while Grandveau orchestrated the offense with a series of decisive assists and breakthroughs. Together, they provided the spark that finally carried Metz to European glory.
For Győr, the defeat ends a bid for another historic title. For Metz, it marks the beginning of a new chapter.
After years of near misses, they are finally Champions League winners.