Paris hold firm

News

Two weeks after their last European match - the 27-27 draw in Flensburg - Paris Saint-Germain Handball returned to EHF Champions League action on Thursday evening. In their Matchday 4 clash, they were aiming to move closer to the top by getting a second win in a very tough Group B. On this occasion, it was Zaporozhye who travelled to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Despite their two defeats, the Ukrainians were "not to be taken lightly", according to Mathieu Grébille.

The beginning of the match was very tight (6': 3-3). Les Rouge et Bleu were dominant, but missed several opportunities to take the lead and each time the visitors came back (11': 6-6). Failed one-on-ones and technical errors peppered some intense exchanges! The minutes ticked by in this first half and our players still couldn't manage to break clear of an opponent who seemed determined to give them a hard time. In fact it took a smart save from Vincent Gérard to prevent the visitors from taking the lead (16': 8-8).

The two rearguards were regularly forced into fouls and the penalty shooters enjoyed themselves (21': 10-10). But, little by little, Raul Gonzalez's men took the upper hand! While Nedim Remili scored thanks to a nice lob, Vincent confirmed his strong form by winning a duel at close range. For the first time, our team managed to take a three point lead (24': 13-10). More solid in defence and more efficient in attack, the Parisians widened the gap just before the break and, after a last goal by Kamil Syprzak, they took a five-goal lead into the break.

Les Rouge et Bleu improved their lead a little more as the second half got going (34': 23-17), but they still had to be wary of the Ukrainians, who had not given up (37': 23-20). To further dampen the visitors' spirits, Nikola Karabatic sent a missile into the back of the net (41': 25-21)! This allowed the capital club to resume its march forward! And, in the process, the Parisians turned on the style, Mathieu Grébille hitting a spectacular spin-shot (43': 27-22). With the last quarter of the game approaching fast, our players blew their lead out to +6 (44': 28-22) and then +7 (45': 29-22), after goals from Nedim and Elohim Prandi.

Despite a great performance from their opponents, our players maintained the upper hand (49': 32-26). Already very comfortable in goal, Vincent also took part in the offensive festival by scoring from his own area (53': 35-28). Paris Saint-Germain Handball perfectly managed the end of the game and held out to clinch victory! They remain one point behind Group B leaders Veszprém, Kielce and Barcelona (Les Rouge et Bleus' next Champions League opponents), all of whom have six points.

 

Reactions from Henrik Toft Hansen, Sadou Ntanzi and Raul Gonzalez:

(Credits: A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)