Montpellier Handball (MHB) has secured its spot in the Coupe de France final after a decisive victory over Limoges, winning 31-25 in a thrilling semi-final clash. This marks a significant achievement for Montpellier, who last tasted success in this prestigious competition back in 2016. The final is set to take place on May 18, 2025, at the Accor Arena in Paris, where MHB will face either PSG or Chambéry, who are set to battle it out in the other semi-final this evening.
The match against Limoges saw Montpellier come out with a fierce determination, quickly establishing a commanding lead. Within just three minutes, MHB was already ahead by four goals, demonstrating their intent right from the start. Hesham, Simonet, and Fernandez were pivotal in this early surge, with Fernandez showcasing his scoring prowess by finishing the first half with an impressive 5-for-5 shooting record.
Montpellier continued to dominate, leading 10-3 within the first ten minutes of play. They maintained this momentum, stretching their lead to as much as eight goals at 11-3. However, Limoges attempted to mount a comeback, with Turchenko leading their charge. Despite their efforts, Montpellier's defense held strong, with goalkeeper Rémi Desbonnet making crucial saves, including three consecutive stops against Faruk and El Elderaa.
By halftime, Montpellier had a comfortable 17-11 lead, setting the stage for a confident second half. However, Limoges was not ready to back down. They reduced the deficit to five goals early in the second half, making the score 20-15. The atmosphere in the arena intensified as Limoges fans rallied behind their team, especially when Elderaa brought the score to 16-20.
Montpellier's Yanis Lenne responded to the pressure by pushing the lead back to five goals at 22-17, showcasing the team's resilience. Limoges continued to fight back, closing the gap to 20-23 midway through the second half. Despite their valiant efforts, Montpellier's depth and experience shone through as they maintained their lead, with key contributions from Sindre Aho and Nacinovic, who helped secure the victory with a final score of 31-25.
This win not only propels Montpellier into the final but also keeps their hopes alive for a potential title in the Starligue. Currently sitting third in the league, they face a tough challenge ahead, including upcoming matches against FC Porto in the quarter-finals of the European League on April 22 and April 29, 2025.
As Montpellier prepares for the final, their coach, Erick Mathé, expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We came out strong and showed our intent from the very beginning. The team’s spirit and determination were evident throughout the match, and we are looking forward to the final." With a record 13 titles in the Coupe de France, Montpellier is eager to add another trophy to their collection.
The upcoming match against either PSG or Chambéry promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting strong lineups and a fierce competitive spirit. PSG and Chambéry will face off tonight at 19:00, and the winner will have the daunting task of trying to dethrone the formidable Montpellier side.
As the excitement builds for the final, Montpellier fans can also look forward to their next league match against Créteil in the Liqui Moly Starligue on April 11, 2025. With the momentum from their semi-final victory, the team will aim to carry this energy into their remaining fixtures.
With their sights set on glory in both domestic and European competitions, Montpellier Handball is ready to make a statement. The journey continues for this storied club as they chase further success on multiple fronts.
