Paris go second
The context:
On Saturday afternoon, three days after their Lidl StarLigue victory over Créteil (39-26), Paris Saint-Germain Handball returned to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin and above all to the Velux EHF Champions League. In Round 13 action, they played host to Elverum. The Norwegians needed at least a draw to stay in contention for a place in the Round of 16, while Les Rouge et Bleu were looking for a win to once again take them level on points with Szeged (who lost 34-26 at Flensburg in midweek) and - thanks to a better head-to-head goal difference (+2) - back into second place in Group A.
The match:
From the start of the match, every attack paid off and the match was rich in goals (7': 5-5). To stop this offensive frenzy, our team had last rampart Vincent Gerard to thank as he saved an Alexander Christoffersen penalty (12': 8-6). The capital club were then able to raise their defensive game and take the lead after a double from Kim Ekdahl du Rietz (14': 10-6). But, just as in the first leg (22-25), the Norwegians weren't about to take it lying down (21': 12-11). Raul Gonzalez's men then looked to Sander Sagosen who, having already scored 11 goals against Creteil, set about dismantling his compatriots, notably with a kung-fu (27': 16-13). After Vincent saved a second penalty, Paris went into the dressing room with a four-point lead (30': 17-13).
Our goalkeeper, who was in sublime form, continued to build on that momentum and denied Szeged another penalty just after the break (34': 21-15). Paris simply stopped conceding goals, which allowed their forwards to carve out a more-than-comfortable lead going into the last 20 minutes (41': 24-17). Although time was on the home team's side (46': 26-20), they were not out of danger (49': 26-23). After being pushed around for a few moments, however, they got back in the driver's seat thanks to Adama Keita (50': 28-24), Kamil Syprzak (51': 29-24) and Kim (55': 30-25). The match ended after a final goal from Sander and several saves from Vincent, our two stars drawing a nice line under their side's impressive win (31-25).
The Parisian of the match: Vincent GĂ©rard
Vincent GĂ©rard, who put in a fine performance in the Parisian goal, was one of the driving forces in Les Rouge et Bleus' victory. Indeed, the French international turned back nine of his opponents' attempts, notably stopping three penalties, winning several one-on-ones and making several notable saves from distance.
The word: Second
Paris took second place in Group A at the expense of Szeged, thanks to their advantage in the double-header (30-25 win in Paris, 32-29 defeat in Hungary). Their fate is in their own hands if they are to hold on to this position. To do so, they will need to beat Zagreb at Coubertin next Sunday. It should be noted that Paris will already know the result of Szeged's Round 14 clash, as it will be played 24 hours earlier away to Group A leaders Barcelona.
Coming up:
After two games at home, the Parisians will hit the road once more next week. On Thursday evening, they will travel to nearest Lidl StarLigue rivals Nantes to try and notch a 17th win from as many 17 league games this season. Should they succeed, they would relegate their direct rivals and nearest pursuers to a distance of eight points. A defeat, on the other hand, would allow The H to climb back to within four points of the capital club.
(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)
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