The feat of MHB which wins for the first time in its history in Barcelona in the Champions League

Melvyn Richardson defeated by the Montpellier defense. EFE – Enric Fontcuberta

Patrice Canayer's men created the feat by winning (37-34) for the first time on the Barcelona pitch, this Thursday March 7. The Héraultais place 4th in their group and will face RK Zagreb in the play-off. 

They needed a draw to secure fourth place in their group and be assured of receiving the quarter-finals. The Montpellier residents did much better by winning on the Barcelona field. A first in 13 confrontations between the two teams. An authentic feat for the Héraultais still handicapped by numerous injuries to senior players.

Saves like Charles Bolzinger's are those game-winners ✊ @mhbofficiel have just defeated @FCBhandbol 37:34 — their first victory over Barça since 2018 💪#ehfcl #clm #DareToRise pic.twitter.com/sAM00PBVCv

— EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) March 7, 2024

Stratospheric rise

Facing the Spanish, the MHB was able to count on a Bryan Monte on another planet. Offensively, the Brazilian succeeded in everything he did (10 goals/11 shots) allowing the Montpellier team to gradually take precedence over Barça. Yet trailing at the break (19-18), Valentin Porte's teammates, in the straight line of a brilliant derby against Nîmes, managed to turn the tide to end up winning in a match of very high level.  

In the round of 16, the Montpellier team will face the Croatians of RK Zagreb, 5th in Group A with home advantage in the return match.