The moment of truth for CSM Bucharest! A month after the double won categorically with Krim (Slovenia), in the Champions League round of 16, Neagu and her colleagues return to the continental competition where they have been chasing the trophy for many years.
Cristina Neagu. PHOTO: The Truth Archive
In fact, the only triumph of “tigresses” in the League dates back to 2016, just before Neagu's arrival at the club. Since then, there have been two 3rd place finishes, in 2017 and 2018. It's a record that could be better, if we consider that CSM currently has nine consecutive qualifications in the quarterfinals of the Champions League! So this phase represented “Achilles' heel” for the formation financed by the Capital City Hall. And now in the way of the team prepared by Adi Vasile stands a formidable opponent, Metz, the 2nd place in the French championship. This stellar line-up comes to Bucharest on the back of an eight-game winning streak in all competitions. And CSM, the 1st place in the Flower League, is doing very well, having 11 wins and a draw in the last 12 games.
It should be noted that CSM Bucharest – Metz represents a fierce rivalry in Europe! The two teams have met eight times since 2018. The record? Five Metz wins and three matches won by CSM.
Champions League, quarters
Saturday
Ferencvaros (Hungary) – Esbjerg (Denmark) 25-26
Vipers (Norway) – Gyor (Hungary) 23-30
Digi Sport 3
Sunday
Bietigheim (Germany) – Odense (Denmark) 15.00
CSM Bucharest – Metz (France) 17.00
Digi Sport 2, Orange Sport 3, Prima Sport 2
The return matches will be played on May 4/5. The Final Four tournament will be hosted by Budapest on June 1 and 2.
A rivalry with tradition in Europe
Year Match
2021 Metz – CSM 25-22
2020 CSM – Metz 31-26
2020 Metz – CSM 28-26
2020 CSM – Metz 32-27
2019 Metz – CSM 23-22
2019 CSM – Metz 26-31
2018 Metz – CSM 27-20
2018 CSM – Metz 34-21
Record: 8 matches, Metz 5 wins, CSM 3 wins
Where have the “tigresses” stopped in recent years in the League
Season Phase reached Last opponent
2022-2023 Quarter Vipers
2021-2022 Quarters Esbjerg
2020-2021 CSKA Moscow Quarters
2019-2020 Gyor Quarters*
2018-2019 Metz quarters
2017-2018 Final Four Rostov-Don**
*The double with Gyor was canceled due to the pandemic.
**CSM won the small final, capturing the bronze medals.
