ROUND REVIEW: A 13-goal win at home against Ankara Yenimahalle sent TuS Metzingen through to the maiden Women's EHF Cup Group Phase as the first team from the qualification tournament.
Metzingen wipe out six-goal deficit to reach EHF Cup Group Phase
Last season, the new German powerhouse TuS Metzingen reached the final of the Women's EHF Cup.
This year, the 'Tussies' - as the team are nicknamed in Germany – have made it to the group phase in the new format of the tournament.
A 36:23 win at home against Ankara Yenimahalle BSK on Friday was more than enough for the Bundesliga side to overcome a six-goal deficit from the first leg.
Women's EHF Cup Group Phase draw on Thursday
Metzingen are the first team to qualify for the premiere edition of the group phase in the competition. The Women's EHF Cup Group Phase draw will take place next Thursday, 24 November, in Vienna.
Ankara Yenimahalle, which entered the EHF Cup qualifiers after failing to qualify for the Women's EHF Champions League, visited the Paul Horn Arena in Tübingen coming off a 33:27 home win.
That victory, however, was not nearly enough for the current number one in the Turkish league in the return match.
Six-goal deficit already made up at half-time
In front of 1300 enthusiastic spectators, Metzingen had made up the deficit already at half-time as they were leading 16:9.
In the second half, Metzingen extended their lead even further. At the final buzzer, the scoreboard showed a thumping 36:23 for the German side.
German international Anna Loerper celebrated her 32nd birthday with a major contribution to the home team's win as the 165-cm tall backcourt player scored 11 goals.
Nine goals from Ankara star player Yeliz Özel were far from enough to give the Turkish side a ticket for the group phase.
TEXT:
Peter Bruun / ew