Paris fall in Zagreb

Comptes-rendus

Paris Saint-Germain Handball lost by a narrow margin to Zagreb in Croatia on Thursday (28-26). Here's a look at the EHF Champions League Matchday 13 clash.

With the group phase drawing to a close, Les Rouge et Bleu travelled to Zagreb ahead of hteir final group stage match against Szeged at Coubertin next Wednesday. Les Rouge et Bleu had defeated Kielce (35-26) on Matchday 12 and had just one objective at throw-off: to continue their good run of form and keep their hopes of a direct qualification for the EHF Champions League quarter-finals alive. To do that, they had to beat the Croatians in their own stadium.

The task seemed clear for the capital club, who wasted no time hitting their stride. Jannick Green was at the heart of Paris' counter-attacks, which were converted in turn by Jacob Holm and Kent Robin Tonnesen, with the latter having already scored twice in the opening minutes (7': 2-3). With Zagreb 'keeper Matej Mandic and Jannick putting on a show in the first quarter, both sides struggled to break clear (16': 6-6).

Struggling in attack, Les Rouge et Bleu also lapsed defensively as Zagreb took their first break of the match. Raul Gonzalez reacted immediately, opting to stop play and remotivate his men (24': 10-8). A time-out did the Parisians the world of good, and they drew level immediately afterwards thanks to a brace from Ruben Marchan, who had just come on as a substitute (25': 10-10). Shortly before the end of the first period, Elohim Prandi twice made the most of his power to restore his side's lead (29': 12-13). But in the end, the Croatians and Parisians went into the locker room neck and neck (30': 13-13).

Nikola Karabatic started the second half, alternating between setting up goals and scoring them to give the capital club their first break in the match (32': 13-15). However, the home side refused to give up and managed to get the match back on level terms thanks to a seventh goal of the game from young Luka Lovre Klarica (38': 17-17). Spurred on by their fans, Zagreb redoubled their efforts to take the lead, but Paris had the impressive Andreas Palicka to deny the home side a penalty (41': 19-19). Going into the final quarter, the Croatians were leading by a narrow margin created by another piece of skill from Matej Mandic (45': 22-21).

In money-time, Ferran Solé Sala sounded the Parisians' revolt with a double, forcing Zagreb to call a time out (54': 24-24). As soon as the game was back underway, Andreas Palicka twice made the difference for the capital club (57': 24-26). However, driven by the 15,000 fans at a raucous Arena Zagreb, the home side managed to turn the game around from the penalty line (59': 27-26). At the end of a thrilling encounter that lived up to its billing, Raul Gonzalez's men fell to Zagreb in Croatia (60': 28-26). Although they can no longer qualify directly for the quarter-finals, Les Rouge et Bleu will be keen to defend third place against Szeged on the final matchday of the group stage next week - match at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin that's not to be missed!

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, LUKA KARABATIC AND FERRAN SOLE SALA :

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)