A winning second half

Match reports

Paris Saint-Germain Handball continued their winning streak with a 35-27 victory over Créteil in Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 3. Take a look back at the match...

 

On Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain Handball took part in Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 3. With two wins in as many games, they were keen to confirm their run in another derby; this time, Raul Gonzalez's men welcomed Créteil to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Our opponents had shown very different form before kick-off, having lost their opening two matches. But last season, this match was very close.

In a derby, the form book goes out the window and, in fact, it was the visitors who took the early lead (6': 2-3). It took a few minutes for the Parisian machine to find its rhythm but once they got their bearings, Les Rouge et Bleu were the more enterprising in attack and duly took the lead (9': 5-4). At the other end of the court, thanks to several saves from Jannick Green, they also managed to thwart the Créteil forward line and make the first break of the game (13': 8-6).

That was enough for them to take the lead, but not enough to put themselves in the clear (16': 8-7). The first period was more of a battle than a real domination (19': 10-10). Fortunately, Elohim Prandi's power and Luc Steins' technique kept the capital club in the lead (21': 12-11). US Créteil pushed forward to take their chances, and for a time they succeeded (25': 15-15). And even more than that... At the break, after 30 hard-fought minutes, the Parisians were a goal down to a team apparently not intimidated by playing at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin (30': 16-17).

But the second half got off to a much better start! Our players hit a quick-fire treble and regained the lead (32': 19-17). More inspired in front of their opponents' goal, they even went +3 for the first time in the match (35': 22-19). Things had completely changed and Les Rouge et Bleu seemed to be succeeding in everything they set out to do. Between Elohim's missiles and Jannick's numerous saves, the Parisians were on top. In just a few minutes, they had put themselves in a much more comfortable position (41': 27-21) and could head into the last quarter of an hour much more relaxed (45': 28-21).

Créteil's hopes of a comeback were quickly thwarted by our Danish 'keeper (voted Man of the Match), who was as imperious as ever in front of his goal. He even saved two penalties in less than a minute (48': 30-23). Time was running out and Les Rouge et Bleu, who had maintained an impressive level since the restart, looked to be heading for another victory (54': 32-24). Moments later, it was official, with Paris Saint-Germain Handball claiming both points (60': 35-27). With three wins since the start of the season, the capital club are continuing their unblemished run at the top of the table. A good omen ahead of two away games next week, in Kielce and Dunkirk.

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, JANNICK GREEN AND ELOHIM PRANDI:

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)