A stunning victory to conclude group stage

Match reports

On Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball played their last match of the EHF Champions League group stage (Matched 14). Already assured of finishing as Group A leaders (and therefore directly qualifying for the quarter-finals), Les Rouge et Bleu nonetheless wanted to put on a show for their fans as the mighty Veszprém came calling at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

In a n electric atmosphere, the two teams were neck and neck at beginning of the game (6': 4-4). Unfortunately for the capital club, it was the Hungarian team that carved outlet first break (10': 4-10). After a complicated first quarter of an hour for our Parisians, the visitors were well in front (16': 7-15).

After some adjustments, the Parisians gradually raised their level of play and started to really figure in the match (20': 12-18). Despite their opponents' still being as efficient as ever, Les Rouge et Bleu drew closer (26': 17-22). This trend was confirmed with a Henrik Toft Hansen goal just before the buzzer - a strike that saw Les Rouge et Bleu come back to within five lengths as the first half ended.

The restart was excellent for Les Rouge et Bleu, who were quickly back within two goals following a strike by Ferran Sole Sala (35': 24-26). The two teams went at it blow for blow and Luka Karabatic got his team right back in it (41': 26-27). Thanks to several saves by Jannick Green and a well inspired team, the Parisians turned the match around and took the lead for the first time (46': 31-29).

The capital club then went into the last ten minutes with confidence, and the fans of Coubertin were all on their feet (51': 34-30)! However, the Hungarians did not give up and remained within striking distance of the Parisians (54': 34-32). But Raul Gonzalez's players remain diligent until the end, and Paris Saint-Germain Handball made good their fight-back with a well deserved win (37-35)! A convincing success that confirmed the Parisians' status at the top of the group, as the quarter-finals loom.

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, DAVID BALAGUER AND ELOHIM PRANDI:

(Credits: L. Valroff/Team Pics/PSG)