Paris win heavyweight clash, book semis berth!

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On Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain Handball put one of their trophies back on the line. In a reprise of the last final and on the occasion of the Coupe de France quarters they hosted Montpellier at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. A mouth-watering clash match between two teams that represent France on the European scene and are still in the running for EHF Champions League glory.

The Parisian defence, led by an excellent Vincent Gérard, shut up shop from the start and prevented Montpellier from scoring (4': 2-0). Meanwhile our attack took full advantage and made the break (8': 6-2). Coubertin was already on fire, but the fans went off the boil after this magnificent start by Les Rouge et Bleu (13': 8-3), who were comfortably in front at the end of the first quarter of an hour, thanks in part to some spectacular saves - but also a goal! - from Vincent (17': 12-4).

Raul Gonzalez's men seemed unstoppable and blew their lead out to +10 before 20 minutes were up (19': 14-4). The MHB, who had already taken two time-outs, couldn't find a way past our rear-guard, who were always ready to hit on the counter and maintain the gap (25': 17-7). At the end of an almost perfect first half, the Parisians were clear leaders.

The second half started in a similar way, with more goals in favour of the capital club and more saves from Vincent (32': 21-9). They took off again in style, with Nikola Karabatic's finding the top corner and Luka's superb back-to-goal finish (35': 24-11). Despite this very big lead, they refused to release the pressure and continued outrunning their opponent (42': 29-14). The last moments were approaching and the fate of the match seems already sealed.

With ten minutes left to play, Les Rouge et Bleu were very close to punching their ticket to the semi-finals - especially when Vincent chalked up an assist (for Ferran Solé Sala) to add to his accomplished performance (51': 35-18). The clock was ticking and Les Rouge et Bleu managed to finish the game perfectly (56': 38-21). Baptiste Clay and Kamil Spyrzak scored the last goals on a prolific evening for Paris Saint-Germain Handball. Next stop? The semi-finals on 14 May!

(Credits: A. Gadoffre/ Team Pics/PSG)