Les Rouge et Bleu fall to Veszprém at Coubertin

Comptes-rendus

On Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain handball lost to Veszprém (33-37) in the EHF Champions League Matchday 13 clash at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Here's our review of this final home game of the EHF Champions League group stage.

Paris Saint-Germain fans could not have hoped for a better match-up for the last home game of the EHF Champions League group stage. Veszprém, Group A leaders with top spot already stitched up, travelled to Coubertin to take on Les Rouge et Bleu, for whom this was a match with plenty riding on it. In addition to their thirst for revenge after the bitter defeat in Hungary a few months ago (41-28), the capital club needed to win to regain second place and the direct qualification for the quarter-finals that goes with it. Even though they couldn't secure a place in the quarter finals tonight, a win would have allowed Raul Gonzalez's men to take control of their own destiny before travelling to Pelister on the final day.

Europe's best attack true to form

Paris started the match with great enthusiasm and set an intense pace, but were twice stymied by Rodrigo Corrales. At the same time, Veszprém took advantage of a numerical superiority to create an initial break (5‘: 2-5). But soon Les Rouge et Bleu went a man up and were quick to make up the deficit thanks to Ferran Solé, who continued his current fine form (9’: 6-7). However, the EHF Champions League's best attack put on a show in the first quarter of an hour, converting all their shots (15‘: 8-10).

Despite good intentions, Paris conceded several costly turnovers. Seeing his team unable to reduce the gap, Raul Gonzalez decided to call the first time-out of the match (18’: 9-13). Andreas Palicka, who had just come on, distinguished himself as of the restart and restored the confidence of the capital club, who got back into the match thanks to an opportunistic goal by Luc Steins (22': 12-15).

While Paris were more efficient in front of goal at the end of the first half, Veszprém did not drop their intensity and extended their lead again (27‘: 15-20). Les Rouge et Bleu went into the changing rooms five goals behind at the end of a difficult first half (30’: 18-23).

A sudden burst of energy

From the restart, Paris were on the front foot in their bid to make up the deficit. This required a more solid defence, and Andreas Palicka's double save from Hugo Descat's penalty throw was extremely welcome (33': 19-24). All the more so as the offensive sector also followed suit, with back-to-back goals from Elohim and Kent to reduce the gap to three goals (36': 22-25).

However, the second time-out called by Xavi Pascual allowed Veszprém to find a new lease of life in the second half. With their backs to the wall, the Parisians did not give up, however: Wallem Peleka, once again positioned on the left wing, seized his chance by scoring his third goal of the evening (39': 23-27). A goal that proved salutary, as it boosted our Les Rouge et Bleu. Driven on by a Coubertin united as one, Paris took advantage of a numerical superiority to come within a single goal of Veszprém (45': 28-29).

A bitter end to the match

As the final stages approached, the atmosphere became more and more unbearable as the two teams found themselves neck and neck. Andreas, already decisive on his line, turned scorer, before Kamil reduced the gap with his sixth goal of the evening (53': 30-32). After a strong spell, Paris once again struggled with the Hungarian side's rigour - as well as its two former Parisians. While Nedim Remili was ruthless, Rodrigo Corrales was imperious as he denied Yahia and Luc (55': 31-35).

Despite showing more promise in the second half, Paris were unable to turn the situation around against Veszprém, who fully lived up to their status as Group A leaders (60': 33-37). Despite being relegated to fourth place following wins for Sporting and Berlin, direct qualification for the quarter-finals remains possible for our Les Rouge et Bleu. To do so, they will have to win away to Pelister, while hoping for favourable results from their rivals at the same time (Berlin will go to Veszprém and Sporting will travel to Plock).

Reactions from Raul Gonzalez and Elohim Prandi:

Next up for Les Rouge et Bleu

Raul Gonzalez's men return to league action this Sunday with a trip to Saint-Raphaël. Throw-off for this Round 18 fixture is scheduled for 17:00.

(Credits: JM. Hervio)