Metz HB managed to get two points clear of Team Esbjerg after the top duel. Also in group B, Ferencvaros took a big step towards playoff when defeating rival Rapid Bucharest away.
Metz have a steady course for first place and conquered Team Esbjerg for nine victories in a row. The French champion was brilliant in attacking mode, using both distance options and productive line player Sarah Bouktit (eight goals) to find the net.
Hatadou Sako performed convincingly between the posts, a total of 17 saves stood out in the keeper statistics and Metz had a margin of four goals at least during the final 15 minutes.
Rapid Bucharest versus Ferencvaros turned into a tactical struggle, mainly caused by superb defensive actions in both directions. Bucharest seems out of shape and four points in the final two games is a must to keep the chance to advance.
Ferencvaros has a lot of work to do to repeat the runner-up-role of last season. For now, play-off seems plausible which means that Allan Heine Pedersen´s team has bounced back after the gloomy start of the season.
In group A, Debrecen secured their top six spot with a solid win. For SG BBM Bietigheim, Antje Döll´s nine goals wasn´t enough and Debrecen turned the table in the second half.
Champions League
Group A, SG BBM Bietigheim–DVSC Schaeffler 27–31 (15–13)
Group B, Metz HB–Team Esbjerg 36–31 (20–17)
Rapid Bucharest–Ferencvaros 20–23 (11–16)