Paris fall in Montpellier

Match reports

On Tuesday night, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were in Coupe de France semi-final action, the two-time reigning champs facing the heavy task of travelling to Liqui Moly StarLigue leaders Montpellier. It was the second clash of the season between the two sides, who had already faced each other in championship with the MHB winning by the narrowest of margins (31-30).

From the first minutes, the tension was enormous and the rhythm very high, with both sides giving their all to make a success of opening phase (6': 2-2). Little by little, the locals, spurred on by their fans, made the first break (10': 5-2). Les Rouge et Bleu had to face a good defence and an inspired Charles Bolzinger in goal... At the end of the first quarter of an hour, they were chasing the game (16': 10-5). 

Although our rear-guard got stronger, our attack continued to struggle in their efforts to find the back of the net. It took a penalty from Petar Nenadic to put an end to a long gap (23': 12-6). But it was not enough to definitively settle the score. Right up to the end of the first act (27': 15-7), Paris blew several chances and went back to the locker room with a heavy deficit to make up.

The start of the second half did not necessarily go any better for Raul Gonzalez's side (33': 19-10). Les Rouge et Bleu found some offensive solutions, but not enough to get back into the game (38': 22-13). As the minutes passed, the result slipped further and further away (42': 25-14). At the beginning of the last 15 minutes, our players needed a miracle (46': 28-15).

The Sud de France Arena was on its feet and roaring deafeningly whenever their 'keeper made a save (51': 30-16). The game was almost over and the hopes of reversing the situation were almost extinguished (54': 32-16). In the end, Paris Saint-Germain Handball couldn't find the solution to break Montpellier down and paid the price against an excellent team. The Parisians will have to bounce back as of Saturday, when Ivry come calling frothier Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 23 fixture at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. 

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)