Esbjerg dominate against Metz

GROUP B

MOTW: Team Esbjerg (DEN) -  Metz Handball (FRA) 35:28 (18:12)

• Esbjerg had a good opening, cruising early to a five-goal lead, mainly with help from goalkeeper Rikke Poulsen who was making Metz's attack desperate and good backcourt action by Henny Ella Reistad, Kristine Breistøl, and Mette Tranborg
• Metz's problems in the attack were clearly visible from the statistics, with an only 50 per cent shot efficiency, compared to Esjberg's 72 per cent in the first half
• the French side had a problem keeping up with the set pace as Esbjerg went on to have an eight-goal lead
• Metz found a way to stop their opponents for a short term, as they reduced the deficit to only three goals (17:20) ten minutes into the second half with Kristina Jörgensen's in-flight goal
• Kristine Breistøl and Henny Ella Reistad restored Esbjerg's six-goal lead, which was decisive for the end result
• Henny Ella Reistad was unstoppable with eight goals, delivering with ease in Match of the Week and earning the Player of the Match award

Strong backcourt action

Even though Esbjerg's win had a good stronghold in defence and saves by Rikke Poulsen's 18 saves at 41 per cent efficiency, Esbjerg's attack knew how to say thank you. They were unstoppable and were scoring from every position; however, two players stood out. Player of the Match Henny Ella Reistad scored seven times from the centre back position, as well as one from a penalty, and helped her teammates with four assists. Left back Kristine Breistøl was equally efficient with nine goals and another five assists, making the attack look effortless.