Paris progress

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On Tuesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were back in the Coupe de France (the capital club is a two-time title holder). On the occasion of the round of 32, Paris was travelled to face ProLigue team Strasbourg. For this event, the match was relocated to the Zenith, with its 4,600-spectator capacity.

Driven on by their fans, the hosts did well at the beginning of the game and prevented Les Rouge et Bleu from taking off (5': 2-4). But after several minutes, our players had the measure of the opponent's defence and carved out a lead (9': 2-6). Elohim Prandi was on fire for Paris, with a sublime kung-fu and a powerful shot that ended up on the right side of the side netting (15': 5-11).

Raul Gonzalez's men were in complete control of the game and increased their lead as the minutes ticked by. Their favourite weapon? The counter! Thanks to a good defence, Sadou Ntanzi and Ferran Sole Sala were able to score on quick attacks (22': 6-15). The capital club would have had a bigger advantage had it not been for home 'keeper Jean-Emmanuel Kouassi (27': 11-17). At the break, the Parisians were eight goals to the good.

At the start of the second half, Strasbourg were still fighting valiantly (34': 14-21) and they took advantage of strong period to make up some of their deficit (39': 16-22). However, Les Rouge et Bleu then hit the accelerator once again - to avoid any surprises - and regained their lead (44': 18-28). 

Our opponents struggled to beat an Andreas Palicka growing in in power (47': 18-21). There were still a few minutes left and the Parisian victory was taking shape (53': 20-33). A few moments later, it was official! Paris Saint-Germain Handball won in Strasbourg and qualified Coupe de France's last 16!

(Credits: L. Valroff/Team Pics/PSG)