Montpellier, Chambéry & Limoges Win: French Handball League Roundup

French Handball League Sees Tight Matches as Season Progresses

The French handball league, LNH Division 1, also known as Liqui Moly Starligue, is well underway, with recent matches delivering competitive action and surprising results. The season, which began on September 5, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on June 6, 2026, continues to showcase the talent and intensity of France’s premier handball competition.

Montpellier secured a victory over Istres with a final score of 33-28, though the match unfolded in two distinct phases. The first half saw a closely contested battle, with Istres, currently at the bottom of the championship standings, demonstrating a fearless approach and capitalizing on Montpellier’s early inaccuracies. At halftime, the score was tied at 15-14.

Following the break, Montpellier dramatically shifted gears, establishing dominance within minutes. Fueled by a strong performance from goalkeeper Charles Bolzinger, who recorded 14 saves, and key contributions from Casado and Villeminot, Montpellier extended their lead and ultimately controlled the remainder of the game. This win came a week after a defeat to Limoges.

Chambéry and Toulouse Share the Points

In a thrilling encounter, Chambéry and Toulouse battled to a 30-30 draw. Chambéry maintained a solid defensive posture throughout much of the game, with goalkeeper Valentin Kieffer making 15 saves, giving his team an advantage. At halftime, Chambéry led 19-16.

Toulouse responded strongly after the interval, driven by Nemanja Ilic and Erwin Feutchmann, who scored 5 and 6 goals respectively. The home side increased their defensive pressure, gradually closing the gap. Chambéry attempted to regain control, briefly extending their lead to three goals in the final quarter, but Toulouse persevered. In a tense finish, Toulouse equalized with two minutes remaining, and Chambéry was unable to capitalize on their final possession, resulting in a shared point for both teams.

Limoges Overcomes Sélestat in a Two-Phased Game

Limoges defeated Sélestat 32-38 in a match that saw a reversal of fortunes. Initially struggling against a determined Sélestat side, Limoges found themselves trailing for much of the early game. However, they managed to stay within striking distance and edged ahead just before halftime, leading 16-15.

The second half witnessed a significant shift in momentum as Limoges took control, increasing the pace and building a lead spearheaded by Maxime Ogando, who contributed 7 goals. Their experience proved crucial in the closing stages, securing a logical victory. However, the win was tempered by an injury to Ihor Turchenko late in the match, forcing him to leave the game.

Limoges’ recent victory over Montpellier, 31-30, five days prior, marked the first time in 14 league matches that they had defeated the two-time EHF Champions League winners. Arnau Garcia led the scoring for Limoges with five goals, while goalkeeper Dino Slavić made eight saves. This result has propelled Limoges into contention for the French title.

As the season progresses, teams like Montpellier continue to demonstrate their strength, while others, like Limoges, are emerging as serious challengers. The league standings remain competitive, promising further exciting matches in the weeks to come.