Paris continues their run

Comptes-rendus

On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain Handball beat Eurofarm Pelister as they made their return to the continental stage in Northern Macedonia (25-31). Take a look back at this EHF Champions League Matchday 11 clash.

Having made successful returns to action in the  Coupe de France and the league, Les Rouge et Bleu were back in EHF Champions League action on Wednesday. The Parisians faced a tricky trip to Bitola in northern Macedonia, where Pelister are a tough side to play. They may have lost all ten of their Champions League matches this campaign, but they have never lost by more than a three-goal margin at home this season. For their part, Raul Gonzalez's men were keen to continue their good run of form and close in on the top two places.

At throw-off, HC Eurofarm Pelister paid tribute to Nikola, Luka and Elohim, recently crowned European champions with the French national team. As was the case in the recent match against Chartres, the capital club got off to a serious start. Jannick Green made a fine save from the penalty line to set up Kamil Syprzak, who finished off the Parisians' counter-attack and made the first break (4': 0-2). After the Polish international, it was Ferran Solé who grabbed a brace of his own a Raul Gonzalez's men went further in front (7': 1-5). Struggling offensively, the hosts decided to stop play for the first time when Paris extended their lead even further thanks to a strike from Luka Karabatic (13': 3-8).

Shortly after the quarter-hour mark, Jannick was at it again but this time went one better by scoring from his area into a net left empty by the Green and Whites, who were implementing a seven-man attack (17': 5-10). Our Danish keeper was unstoppable in this first half (six saves at a 50% clip) as he helped his side to start running away with it (23': 6-13). Imperious in defence and clinical in attack, Paris returned to the dressing room with a comfortable lead after a well controlled first half (30': 9-15).

After the break, the Parisians came up against the solidity of Khalifa Ghedbane, who made several saves. However, the Algerian keeper could do nothing about Kamil's efficiency from the penalty line (34': 11-18). The home side were less successful, however, twice coming up against Andreas Palicka in quick succession (42': 14-22). Sadou Ntanzi's splendid shot from nine metres kept his side well in front just as money time was looming (50': 18-26).

Just as Jannick had done in the first half, Andreas joined in the celebrations by scoring from his own area to round out the Capital Club's display (59': 23-31). At the end of a match that was controlled from start to finish, despite the home crowd's support, Paris were decalred winners (60': 25-31). Les Rouge et Bleu are now full of confidence ahead of their summit clash with Kielce at Coubertin on Thursday 22 February. Before that, Raul Gonzalez's men travel to Saran on Saturday for their Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 17 clash.

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, ELOHIM PRANDI AND KAMIL SYPRZAK:

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)