Metz TT will arrive in Tarnobrzeg with confidence, experience and perhaps more importantly, the feeling that this group may finally be ready to take the last step in the ETTU Champions League Women.
The French club will face UCAM Cartagena TM in the semi-final of the inaugural Women’s Final 4 on 23-24 May, carrying both momentum from this season and memories from the last two years, when they came painfully close to the trophy.
Over the past decade Metz have quietly established themselves among Europe’s strongest clubs. Domestic titles in France, the Europe Cup crown in 2018 and regular deep runs in European competitions have built the reputation of a team that consistently belongs at the highest level.
Still, one thing is missing – the Champions League title.
In 2023 they reached the final before losing to KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg, while last season ended with another final defeat, this time against ttc berlin eastside. Those disappointments now serve as extra motivation.
French club once again showed their character throughout this season’s campaign. They had to work hard from the very beginning, coming from behind to defeat PGE Fibrain AZS Politechnika Rzeszów in their opening tie, but from that moment the French side only grew stronger.
Victories over ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari confirmed their consistency, while the quarter-final against domestic rivals Saint-Denis TT 93 once again highlighted the resilience within the team. After edging a tense first leg 3-2, Metz produced a far more convincing performance in the return match to secure their place among Europe’s top four clubs.
One of the major strengths of Metz lies in the balance of the squad. French international Charlotte LUTZ brings energy and fearlessness, Egyptian talent Hana GODA adds explosive attacking power, while experienced players such as Adina DIACONU and Sarah De NUTTE provide calmness in the biggest moments. Depth also comes from Mariia TAILAKOVA and Charlene LESTIENNE.
LUTZ heads to Tarnobrzeg directly after helping France reach the quarter-finals at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London. Even with little time to recover, she believes the experience from London can only help the team.
“I think those two events are quite different, because at the World Championships I played against my teammate, and now we will be together trying to win this title,” said Lutz, speaking about DIACONU after Romania’s victory over France in London. “We actually had a very good Champions League season. We managed difficult matches really well and I’m proud of the whole team for that. We want to keep the same fighting spirit and the same goal in mind for the Final 4.”
For the young French player, this will also be a completely new experience.
“It’s my first Champions League Final 4 and also my first time playing against Cartagena. They are a very strong team and it will definitely be a difficult match. We know they will fight for every point, just like us.”
There is also a clear feeling inside the team that the painful defeats of the past two seasons could now become valuable experience.
“We lost to Berlin in the final last year and Metz also lost the final in 2023 before I joined the team. Maybe now is the right moment to change things.”
And perhaps the clearest message came when she spoke about the team’s ambition.
“The goal is always to win the trophy. We feel ready for it.”
DIACONU arrives in Tarnobrzeg after helping Romania win the bronze medal at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London, another historic achievement for Romanian table tennis.
“It was an amazing run for us. We are very happy that we wrote history again for Romania at this special edition of the World Championships,” said DIACONU.
However, the Romanian star admits there is little time to celebrate before another crucial part of the season begins.
“Of course, after big tournaments it’s not easy to switch immediately to another very important event. I took one or two days off and then was back at the table. Before the Final 4 in the Champions League, we had the Pro A final so I had to switch very fast .”
For DIACONU, the semi-final against Cartagena will carry both sporting pressure and emotional significance.
“The semi-final against UCAM will be a very difficult match. They are a strong team, with almost the same level of players. They showed during this season that they are a very strong team,” she explained.“There is also a very special person for me there – Maria XIAO. She is one of my best friends, my doubles partner and someone with whom I share many memories and emotions.”
DIACONU also believes the team has every reason to dream big after another strong season together.
“I know reaching the semi-final is already a very good result for the team. Of course, we are also in the Champions League Final, but we see that as a bonus. I think our main goal this season was to finish among the top four teams once again, so now we just want to enjoy this semi-final – and why not try to go all the way to the final as well?”
The Romanian highlighted the atmosphere inside the squad as one of the biggest reasons behind Metz’s success this year.
“This year we really have a great team and an amazing atmosphere. Since Hana joined us this season, everything has clicked so naturally. She is not only an incredible player, but also a wonderful person who brings so much positive energy and fun to the group. In recent months she has been playing at an outstanding level, and we can all learn a lot from her and share great moments together. I’m truly happy to be part of this team.”
Metz now arrive at the Final 4 carrying confidence, experience and the feeling that perhaps this time the story could end differently.
“I believe Hana can continue her excellent form in the upcoming matches in Pro A, the French Championships and of course the Champions League,” added DIACONU. “We still have the chance to play in two finals, and honestly, I would love for us to win at least one of those trophies.”
ETTU Champions League Women Final 4
Semi-finals – 23 May 2026
- 15:00 UCAM Cartagena TM vs Metz TT
- 19:00 KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg vs ttc berlin eastside
Final – 24 May 2026 15:00
