Crunch clash goes Paris' way

News

Paris Saint-Germain Handball bagged an excellent result in their Lidl Starligue Round 12 clash on Wednesday night. At the Stade Pierre de Coubertin, they got the better of a Chambéry side who have proven extremely tough this season and who turned in a strong performance in Paris (26-22).

Despite a strong start, Les Rouge et Bleu took several minutes to break clear of their opponents. However, it seemed as though the juggernaut was about to click into gear when Sander Sagosen hit on the counter to put his side three goals to the good (7’: 5-2). And then even more so when Rodrigo Corrales twice denied Paris Saint-Germain Handball old boy Fahrudin Melic from his specialty, the penalty throw (8’: 5-2). But the side from the Savoy region proved over the space of a few moments that their high ranking this season is no accident, ands they soon levelled through Alexandre Tritta (15’: 6-6). The sides then proceeded to duke it out old-school, with Paris taking the lead (18’: 8-7) without managing to make the break (20’: 8-8) until the final minutes of the opening term, when Luka Karabatic chose to hit a quick-fire double (28’: 12-10) that set his side up to head into the break with a clear advantage (14-11).

The second began as the first had done, with Rodrigo saving a penalty (31’: 14-11), but also with Chambéry hitting back (35’: 15-14), drawing the best out of Corrales to prevent the visitors from turning the match on its head (40’: 16-16). His numerous saves galvanised the Coubertin crowd - and his team as well! Nedim Remili was no exception, striking to take Paris four goals to the good (46’: 20-16). But the match was far from over, thanks to Chambéry never-say-die approach (52’: 22-21). Raul Gonzalez opted tp switch to all-out seven-man attack and the move bore fruit, notably when Sander Sagosen struck from nine metres out (55’: 24-21). The goal did the home side good, but didn't stitch up the match - for that, Paris had a successful penalty from Uwe (58’: 25-22) and a dramatic save on the buzzer from Rodrigo to thank (26-22).

Faced with an excellent Chambéry side, Paris Saint-Germain Handball took care of business and racked up a tenth win in 11 Lidl Starligue outings this season. Now in second place, Les Rouge et Bleu can go clear in top spot with a win away to Montpellier in their postponed Round 7 clash on Sunday.

The Parisian scorers:
Uwe Gensheimer (7 goals), Sandra Sagosen, Henrik Toft Hansen, Nedim Remili (4), Luka Karabatic (3), Mikkel Hansen (2), Benoît Kounkoud, Luc Abalo (1).

The Parisian 'keeper:

Rodrigo Corrales: 17 from 37 (45%).