European victory in a great atmosphere

Match reports

On Thursday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball beat a strong Pelister team 31-26 on EHF Champions League Matchday 4. Here's a look back at the Parisian victory!

On Thursday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball played host to Pelister at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin - in the first-ever meeting between the capital club and the Macedonians - on EHF Champions League Matchday 4. After wins in Szeged (29-31) and against Zagreb at Coubertin (35-31), the Parisians narrowly lost to Kielce in Poland on Matchday 3 (30-29). Raul Gonzalez's men were therefore aiming to get back to winning ways against an opponent looking to open their European account this season.

All business from the outset, the Parisians got off to the perfect start, making the first break of the match (2': 2-0). However, it didn't take long for the Macedonians to level it up (6': 4-4). As the 15 minute-mark approached, the two teams were going blow for blow and neither was able to break away (15': 7-7).

The difference was made by a fantastic breakthrough from Luc Steins, who gave his side a two-point lead just before half-time (24': 12-10). Les Rouge et Bleu went back into the locker room still in the lead after Mathieu Grébille's magnificent goal on the buzzer, but there was still everything to play for in the second half (30': 15-12).

After the break, the Parisians came back with the same intentions they had shown at the end of the first half, and duly maintained their lead (35': 18-15). Although the Macedonians were far from giving up, Kamil Syprzak, once again imperious in front of goal with seven strikes, enabled the men from the capital to extend their lead heading into the final quarter of an hour (44': 23-19). In money-time, our team led the proceedings and looked to have taken an all-but decisive lead (53': 28-23).

Pelister's final time-out at the end of the game didn't change much, and the Parisians went on to win by five goals (60': 31-26). On Sunday, Raul Gonzalez's men travel to Chartres for Liqui Moly Starligue Round 6, before hosting Aalborg at Coubertin next Wednesday.

REACTIONS FROM PATRICE ANNONAY, KENT ROBIN TONNESEN AND WALLEM PELEKA:

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