Hungarian champions Győri Audi ETO KC finished as the runners-up in the 2026 Women’s EHF Champions League after a spirited performance in the Final Four at Budapest’s MVM Dome. Despite a determined effort in front of a home crowd of more than 20,000 spectators, Győr fell 31–29 to France’s Metz Handball in Sunday’s final.
While the defeat denied Győr an eighth European title, the silver medal capped another remarkable continental campaign for one of Hungary’s most successful sports clubs. The appearance marked the club’s 12th Champions League final and reinforced its position among the elite of European women’s handball.
Győr’s route to the final showcased the resilience that has defined the club for more than a decade. In Saturday’s semi-final, the defending champions edged fellow French side Brest Bretagne Handball 31–30 in a dramatic contest, overcoming a late deficit and producing crucial defensive plays in the closing stages. The victory was especially impressive given the absence of several key players through injury.
In the final, Győr started brightly and established an early three-goal advantage. Strong performances from Bruna de Paula, who scored seven goals, and Dione Housheer, who added five, kept the Hungarian side in contention throughout. Goalkeeper Hatadou Sako was also outstanding, making 12 saves and giving her team a chance to fight back during the closing minutes.
However, Metz capitalized on several Győr turnovers in the second half and managed to hold off a late comeback attempt. The French side’s victory secured its first Champions League title, while Győr had to settle for silver.
Despite the disappointment of falling short in the final, the result remains a significant achievement for Hungarian handball. Reaching another Champions League final, particularly after navigating injuries and a highly competitive Final Four field, underlined Győr’s enduring strength at the highest level of the sport.
For the home supporters in Budapest, the weekend ended without the trophy they had hoped for, but with another medal-winning European campaign to celebrate. Silver may not have been Győr’s ultimate goal, yet it represents another chapter in the club’s extraordinary record in the Women’s Champions League and confirms its place among Europe’s leading teams.
