The Messina handball players overpowered Ferencvaros (32-26) in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Saturday and have the last four in their sights before the return match in Lorraine next week.
Metz, crowned champion of France, for the 25th time a week earlier, leaves Hungary with a large advantage: six goals to defend to join the Final Four for the third time in four editions.
Best team on the continent during the group stage with 25 points, the Dragonnes continued their levitation in Budapest thanks to the aerial Hatadou Sako, a new French international.
The goalkeeper, in a great afternoon (19 saves, 45%), notably signed a series of parades after returning from the locker room to allow hers to break away from 15-13 to 20-14.
Uncertain, captain Bruna de Paula, who had not stepped on the court since the beginning of the month due to a sprained right ankle, scored 5 goals, Tamara Horacek, 7.
