Chambéry and St-Raphaël lose European League openers

France’s European League campaign began without a win, leaving Chambéry and St-Raphaël needing to recover in the next round of the group phase. Limoges, the third French representative, is due to enter the competition on Wednesday.

Chambéry were beaten 34-33 by Izvidac in Bosnia-Herzegovina after a tight finish. The visitors led 6-5 early on, then had to chase the game before moving back in front at 22-21 after the interval. They levelled at 29-29 with five minutes remaining and answered each of Izvidac’s next three one-goal leads. However, Stijovic’s decisive goal came with 14 seconds left, and Chambéry missed its final chance to equalise. Dimitri Claude and Lucas Vanègue scored seven each. Chambéry’s next match is away to CSM Bucharest.

St-Raphaël had a more difficult evening at Croatia’s Nexe, losing 33-26. The French side led only at 2-1, drew level at 9-9 and reached half-time four goals behind. Nexe extended its advantage to eight in the closing seconds, despite Antonin Mohamed’s seven goals. St-Raphaël will next host Elverum.

The 2026-27 competition begins with groups of four, with the top two advancing. The two defeats therefore leave both French clubs with ground to make up before the knockout route, while Limoges has yet to play its opening fixture.