Paris prevail in round one

Match reports

Two months after their last European match, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were in EHF Champions League quarter-final action on Wednesday night. As has been the case in the last two seasons, Paris drew Kiel at this stage of the competition (each side has qualified once at the other's expense). The objective? To win this first round in an electric Wunderino Arena and to put themselves in the driver's seat before the return match at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

In a crazy atmosphere, the game was, without surprise, high-octane right from the start (3': 2-2). The two teams went at it blow for blow, in the successes as much in the failures (8': 3-3). As usual, Les Rouge et Bleu could rely on an excellent defence and several saves from Jannick Green. Thanks to this solidity, they bore up well under the arena's electric atmosphere (12': 5-6). At the end of the first quarter, they lead by a short margin (16': 6-7). 

Despite this great start, the Parisians could not extend the lead (19': 7-7). After more exploits from Jannick, among which was a penalty save (23': 8-8), our players managed to make the break thanks to Ferran Solé Sala (25': 8-10). Obviously, it was still not enough to be safe (28': 11-11)... But it was enough to lead at the break, after a last save at the buzzer from our Danish keeper. This feat marked the end of an evenly balanced first act!

At the return from the locker rooms, Raul Gonzalez's men were still very strong defensively (33': 12-15). The Germans couldn't find the opening and spent long minutes without scoring. Even at the penalty line, they had to face Andreas Palicka (36': 12-15). With a better record in front of Niklas Landin's goal, our team could have gone well in front (41': 16-19), but a lack of precision allowed the locals to claw back the deficit (44': 19-19) and the dying moments were unbearable (46': 20-20)...

Les Rouge et Bleu chose the final ten minutes to push two goals clear (51': 23-25). They managed their efforts perfectly at both ends of the court and take a very promising lead (54': 23-27). Our players won almost all their duels with the Kielers' defence (58': 26-30) and, a few moments later, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were declared winners by four points in Kiel! We will have to confirm this win at Coubertin next Wednesday, as Raul Gonzalez's men look to punch their ticket for the Final4.

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, ELOHIM PRANDI AND FERRAN SOLÉ SALA:



(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)