Metz Handball – JDA Dijon, confirming at home
After a triumphant return to the Butagaz Energy League, the Dragonnes de Metz Handball will be keen to confirm their fine performance against JDA Dijon, this Wednesday evening.
During the first day, the players of Christophe Mazel took the road to Brittany to face the vice-champion of France, Brest Bretagne Handball. On paper, the Armorican team appeared far superior to its Burgundian counterparts. And beware, sport is sometimes full of surprises. Indeed, Dijon did more than resist during this match. They brought back the players of Pablo Morel. Despite a 32-30 loss, the courage and determination of Ilona Di Rocco and her teammates is to be saluted.
However, this performance must not be repeated at the Arena. The Dragonnes need to make the game “easy” in order to garner maximum confidence before the return of the Champions League against Storhamar on Sunday 11 September.
The JDA Dijon player to follow
In this Dijon workforce, there are two faces well known to Metz supporters, center half Ilona Di Rocco and goalkeeper Manuella Dos Reis. The latter has just arrived in Burgundy after 3 seasons in the North of France, in Saint Amand les Eaux. After winning the D2F championship and allowing her team to move up to the Butagaz Energy League, the French goalkeeper signed up until 2024 with the JDA Dijon. A return to the Arena is always a special moment, but out of the question for Manuella Dos Reis to let herself be overwhelmed by emotions. Author of a good part against Brest, she would probably have done it again this Wednesday against former teammates and friends present on the field and in the stands.
On the side of Metz Handball
As against Bourg de Péage, no absence is to be declared in the Metz collective. Emma Jacques and Camila Micijevic will miss the call following their serious injury. Stelvia Pascoal, not having been called up yet, will still have to wait to clog the parquet floor of the Arènes de Metz.
The Dragon to follow
Often lacking the ball on her left wing, Chloé Valentini was served against Bourg de Péage this Saturday. Taking advantage of a few shifts from Bruna de Paula and numerous counter-attacks, the Messina wing passed five goals to the opposing goalkeepers. Facing Dijon, Chloé Valentini could well do it again if her backs show altruism.
The other matches of the day
- ES Besançon – Chambray
- The Neptunes of Nantes – Plan de Cuques
- OGC Nice – Paris 92
- Village of Toll – Saint Amand les Eaux
- Merignac Handball – Brest Brittany Handball
- Those on Belle – Toulon Metropolis Var Handball
Photos: Lucas Deslangles / Let’s Go Metz