To play in the semi-finals of the C1, Montpellier had to overturn a badly embarked quarter-final after losing 31 to 28 in the Hérault two weeks ago, and had to win by more than four goals (or three goals if he scored more than 31).

But at no time during the meeting were Patrice Canayer's players able to shake the very solid squad of Talent Dujshebaev, undefeated at home in the Champions League this season, and a serious contender for the European title in Cologne on 18 and June 19.

From the first minutes of the match, the Montpellier raced behind in the score, trailing by seven goals at the break, scoring only eight small goals in 30 minutes of play.

The second period turned into a demonstration by the German goalkeeper from Kielce Andreas Wolff, who silenced an already weak Hérault attack, with his 13 saves (41%).

Once the gap increased to 10 goals (23-13, 45th), Dujshebaev put Wolff on the bench and Kielce's defense was a little less impermeable, but qualification was already in the Polish pockets.

Last hopes for Paris

In attack, the pivots Artsem Karalek (7 goals) and Nicolas Tournat (4) succeeded almost everything against the Montpellier goalkeeper, Marin Sego.

The absence of left-handed winger Yannis Lenne, victim of a metatarsal fracture in his left hand and absent until the end of the season, was felt on the Montpellier side, while the start of the game by Kevin Bonnefoi (4 saves) in the second half in goal, only limited the breakage as much as possible.

The hopes of the French hand to place a club in the last four of the queen competition now rest on the shoulders of Paris SG, also forced to seek a result on opposing ground, in Kiel on Thursday evening.

Authors of a draw at Coubertin (30-30) last week, Luka Karabatic's teammates will have to win or draw by scoring more than 30 goals.

Except very unlikely reversal of situation, Montpellier will not compete in the Champions League next season, since the Héraultais who are six points behind second place in the championship occupied by Nantes while there are only 10 points left to distribute.

The MHB will especially have to fight during the last five days of Starligue to maintain fourth place and qualification for the European League, the antechamber of the Champions League.

© 2022 AFP