A look back at PSG Handball - Dunkerque
Paris Saint-Germain Handball played their final match of 2019 on 19 December, playing host to Dunkerque in Lidl StarLigue Round 13 action. It was a Christmas match, festive off the court and spectacular on it!
During the event, the Parisians temporarily dropped the blue from their jerseys, keeping only the red for a very special outfit. A unique jersey, as it wasn't the players' names stencilled on the back - but instead their nicknames! Luc Abalo became 'Kanny' and explained his choice.
But Les Rouge et Bleu weren't the only ones wearing a special outfit. The entire Stade Pierre de Coubertin was in perfect lock-step, echoing the Christmas theme!
Ce soir tout Coubertin est en mode #Noel #PSGUSDK pic.twitter.com/LHsukIX2GJ
— PSG Handball (@psghand) December 18, 2019
It was definitely time to party in the Parisians' den! Minutes before kick-off, Mikkel Hansen received his Lidl StarLigue Player of the Month award for November.
Raul Gonzalez's unbeaten side were hoping to continue their unblemished run of and claim a thirteenth win in as many league games, but it was no easy task against the extremely tough-to-beat USDK. As expected, the game was not all fun and our team had a long struggle to get the better of their opponents. To do so, they looked to Kamil Syprzak (6': 3-2), but also on Sander Sagosen, who scored his 200th goal in France.
ça y est ! @SanderSagosen passe le cap des 200 buts inscrits en @LidlStarligue 12-12 #PSGUSDK pic.twitter.com/mfBHdUDM8s
— PSG Handball (@psghand) December 18, 2019
After the first 20 minutes (11-11), the capital club gradually broke away. They finished the first half with a bang and took advantage of Benoît Kounkoud's skill (25': 16-12) ...
...and that of Adama Keita, which saw them head to the dressing room in a more comfortable position.
But even at half-time, the Parisian fans were spoiled! Several surprises awaited them during the break: in addition to the contest for the most beautiful Christmas sweater, won by Michaël, who topped the applause-o-meter at 105.3 decibels…
...the fans in attendance had a chance to participate in a good deed. A plush toy toss was held on the court. The toys, collected during several football matches, at the Club's headquarters or brought by the supporters, were thrown on the court. Nearly 2000 dolls were thus donated to charity Secours Populaire and children in need.
On remercie tous nos supporters présents ce soir d'avoir joué le jeu pour @SecoursPop et @PSGChildren lors de ce lancer de peluches ! #PSGUSDK pic.twitter.com/ggn1fxX1sM
— PSG Handball (@psghand) December 18, 2019
And when the match resumed, the show went on! Our players accentuated their lead, while continuing to put on a show in both attack and defence. Mikkel Hansen (top scorer of the match with 9 from 9) combined artistry and efficiency to add to the scoreline (35': 22-13), while also earning a place among the Lidl StarLigue's top scorers for Round 13.
At the other end of the court, it was 13-save 'keeper Rodrigo Corrales's turn to shine! With the outcome of the game no longer in doubt (55': 33-23), the Spanish international also pulled off a fine feat, stopping Dunkerque pivot's point-blank shot from close range - a magnificent save that featured in the week's Top 5 Saves.
Paris Saint-Germain Handball thus won in style and continued their perfect run of 13 victories from as many matches, while confirming pole position on the Lidl StarLigue table!
The holidays were shaping up to be great!
Check out our video highlights of the match:
(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)