Paris denied by Plock

Comptes-rendus

Facing a ruthless Viktor Hallgrimsson (12 saves), Paris Saint-Germain handball lost to Wisla Plock (28-31) at Coubertin. Her'e our lok back on this EHF Champions League Group Stage Matchday 11 clash.

The competition's best defence strikes again

Only a few days after the Parisians returned to competition with a magnificent win over Nantes (40-39 after penalties) to make it through to the semis, they were back in front of their home crowd at Coubertin. It was time for the EHF Champions League, with a home game against Plock. Although their seventh place in the standings was not flattering (and wouldn't qulaify them for the next round), the Poles had proven themselves capable of upsetting the big guns. Xavi Sabate's team came int othe match with the best defensive record in the competition (256 goals conceded), and our Rouge et Bleu knew that they would have to turn in a great performance to consolidate second place and the direct path to the quarters that goes with it.

From the start of the match, Plock demonstrated their defensive rigour and made things tough for the Paris attackers. In turn, Les Rouge et Bleu were stymied by Viktor Hallgrimsson (5‘, 2-5). Jostled in these first minutes, the capital club sounded the charge through Elohim, who brought his trademark power to bear (9’, 4-6). Far from panicking, our Parisians grew in strength as the minutes went by, levelling the playing field in the different areas of the game. While Andreas Palicka responded to his counterpart, Luc Steins scored a nice double (15', 6-8).

Elohim and Luc in full force

With so much at stake, the tension mounted in this first act and fouls rained down on both sides. At six against six, Raul Gonzalez's men were the sharper and Elo‘ drew them level (21’, 9-9). Plock, however, refused to give in and immediately broke away again. As always, it was in the moments of weakness that Paris was able to draw on its resources to turn the situation around. In turn, Ferran, Yahia and Elohim outwitted the former H goalkeeper and put their team in the lead (29‘, 14-13). Serious and focused, Paris went into the dressing room with a narrow lead (30’, 15-14).

A fierce battle, a cruel outcome

Determined to keep their advantage, Les Rouge et Bleu started the second half as they had finished the first. Andreas denied the Polish offensive line three times in quick succession, while Yahia and Kamil showed the accuracy needed to keep Paris ahead (35', 17-16). After getting off to a good start, the intensity of the second half dropped. Both teams made a series of mistakes and Plock took advantage of a numerical advantage to re-take the lead (41', 17-19).

Raul Gonzalez then decided to make use of the depth of his squad in a bid to buck the trend. It was a tactic that paid off, as Jacob Holm, who had just come on, gave Paris hope and ended a six-minute scoring drought (43', 18-20). In addition to the mistakes, there were technical fouls as well as a lot of missed penalty throws. While Ferran scored three times from the seven-metre line, it was from the six-metre line that Kamil pulled Paris level, promising a breathless final period (49‘, 23-23).

Reduced to six men again, the capital club once again conceded ground with just minutes to go (52’, 23-25). Despite another brace from Luc Steins, which took his total to 6 from 6, Xavi Sabaté's men maintained a substantial lead (56‘, 25-28). Unable to conjure on their trademark accuracy, Paris lost to a valiant team from Plock (60’, 28-31).

What's next for Les Rouge et Bleu

On Sunday, Paris will return to the Liqui Moly StarLigue with a trip to Dunkerque. Kick-off is at 5pm for this final match of the 16th day of the Liqui Moly StarLigue, in which Raul Gonzalez's men will try to bounce back immediately.

Reactions from Raul Gonzalez, Mathieu Grébille and Luc Steins:

(Credits: E. Renard/Team Pics)