Metz seek to break Györ’s winning streak at EHF FINAL4
Györi Audi ETO KC and Metz Handball are set to clash in the EHF Champions League Women final on Sunday, 7 June, at 18:00 CEST. The reigning champions from Hungary head into the showdown at the MVM Dome in Budapest seeking their eighth title, while Metz aims to secure the first European crown in the club’s history and become the first French team to lift the trophy.
The Road to the Final
Györ arrives at the final as a powerhouse, having reached the EHF FINAL4 for the third consecutive year. Since a placement match in 2023, the Hungarian side remains undefeated at the MVM Dome. Their path to this stage has been dominant, including two victories over Metz during the group stage this season: a 31:27 win at home and a 27:24 result on the road.
Metz, meanwhile, is only the second French club to reach a Champions League final. The team enters the match bolstered by the performance of goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen, who recorded 17 saves with a 39 per cent efficiency rate during the semi-finals. Sarah Bouktit also remains a primary offensive threat, sitting just one goal behind tournament top-scorer Dione Housheer.
If Györ claims victory, it would mark their second career “hat-trick” of Champions League titles, repeating their historic run from 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Historical Significance and Stakes
The final carries immense weight for both programs. For Györ, a win would cement a dynasty, potentially allowing left wing Csenge Fodor to join legendary club figures Eduarda Amorim and Anita Görbicz as a five-time champion. The match also serves as a final bow for two Swedish stars: Györ captain Anna Lagerquist and right wing Nathalie Hagman, both of whom will conclude their careers following this event.
The statistical gap in head-to-head encounters—with Györ winning 10 of 13 matchups—suggests a significant hurdle for Metz. However, the pressure of a final often shifts dynamics. While Györ possesses the championship pedigree and home-court familiarity, Metz’s historic opportunity to secure France’s first-ever title could serve as a powerful catalyst for an upset.
Looking Ahead
Should Metz win, they will break the glass ceiling for French handball on the European stage. Conversely, if Györ triumphs, they will move to eight total titles, further distancing themselves from the field in European competition. Earlier in the day, the third-place match will feature Brest Bretagne Handball against CSM Bucuresti, providing a prelude to the main event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the scoring at the 2026 EHF FINAL4?
Dione Housheer currently leads the scoring charts with nine goals, followed closely by Metz’s Sarah Bouktit, who has eight.
How many times have Györ and Metz faced each other?
The two teams have met 13 times, with Györ holding a 10-0-3 record against the French side.
What is at stake for the Swedish players in the final?
The match marks the final professional appearance for Györ captain Anna Lagerquist and right wing Nathalie Hagman.
How will the pressure of a first-time title run affect the performance of the Metz squad compared to the seasoned experience of the reigning champions?