Paris efficient, victorious in Germany

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Beaten in Toulouse (35-27) in the Liqui Moly StarLigue last weekend, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were keen to bounce back. However, on Wednesday night, the task did not look easy: Les Rouge et Bleu had a date away to Group A leaders Magdeburg (winners of their their first two matches) on EHF Champions League Matchday 3.

Les Rouge et Bleu started very well against a strong German team. Former Magdeburg man Jannick Green frustrated his ex-teammates several times and allowed his new colleagues to make the break (6': 1-3). Our 5-1 defence considerably hindered the opposing offensive line, who had to force their shots (11': 3-5). At the end of the first quarter of an hour, the capital club were in the driver's seat (17': 5-9).

Efficiency, team spirit and positive aggression: the Parisians had all the ingredients for an excellent feast (21': 7-13). Among the team's strong points was Ferran Solé Sala, who was as comfortable in the defensive sector as he was getting forward and finding the back of the net (27': 8-15). Raul Gonzalez's men had a very good first half and went back to the dressing room with an eight-point lead.

Paris began the second half with an all-business approach that saw their advantage grow a little more (35': 12-21). Our players went to +10 after yeet another save from Jannick (named Man of the Match) combined with a goal from David Balaguer (39': 12-22). Les Rouge et Bleu also showed great ability to manage the match, which allowed them to stay comfortably ahead despite the German's making another push from time to time (43': 14-22). Wit money-time approaching, the capital club were looking the goods (47': 15-24). 

In the final minutes of the match, the Parisians resisted the German assaults well - even though the GETEC Arena faithful had not yet given up (54': 18-26). Kamil Syprzak curbed their ardour, however, by striking late to bring on the inevitable: the Parisian victory (57': 20-28). Solid in all sectors, Paris Saint-Germain Handball claimed a great win away to Magdeburg! 

RAUL GONZALEZ, FERRAN SOLE SALA AND SADOU NTANZI'S REACTIONS:

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)