Defeat for our Rouge et Bleu in Barcelona
Handball•
Paris Saint-Germain Handball had to concede defeat away to Barcelona (38-33) - despite mounting a strong comeback in the second half - on EHF Champions League Matchday 10.
There was a sense of revenge in the air in Barcelona! Les Rouge et Bleu were aiming to win to get back on track in Group B after their narrow defeat to Plock (29-30). However, they were facing a tough task against Barcelona, who took both points in a hard-fought battle at Coubertin two weeks ago (27-30). Riding high on their excellent league form, Paris had a chance to pull off a major upset and get their revenge at the same time!
It takes a lot to shake Carlos Ortega's team, who boast the competition's best defence and who have only lost once this season, at home against Magdeburg (21-22). At the start of the match, the Parisians went all-out to break down goalkeeper Emil Nielsen, man of the match in the first leg. Unfortunately, the first half quickly turned in favour of the home side. Despite a strong performance from Elohim Prandi (eight goals), the men from the capital were behind at half-time (30': 26-16).
The Rouge et Bleu needed to lift their heads and try to repeat the scenario from the first leg, where they had been nine goals down before making Barcelona doubt themselves. The Parisians were more aggressive and regained some of their offensive verve, carried by the heroics of Prandi, who scored his 11th goal of the game half-way through the second period (45': 32-26). Stefan Madsen can be satisfied with his team's reaction, as they were much sharper after the break - with Yahia Omar (eight goals) notably back on form - and outscored their hosts 17-12 in the second half.
However, it wasn't enough to make up for the significant deficit accumulated in the first 30 minutes, and Paris ultimately had to concede defeat (60': 38-33). Our Rouge et Bleu deserve credit for their comeback, thanks in part to the heroic performance of Elo', the match's top scorer with 14 goals and currently the top scorer in the Champions League (84 goals) - one goal ahead of Mathias Gidsel. This was a great performance that the team will need to build on as they prepare for their last three European matches, which will take place after the winter break.
This defeat in Catalonia should not overshadow the Parisians' excellent season in the league. They will be back in Liqui Moly StarLigue action this weekend, with another tricky away trip to Tremblay on Saturday 6 December (20:30). Stefan Madsen's men will then turn their attention to the Coupe de France, in which competitioon they will play host to Cesson-Rennes on 10 December (20:00).