Following a tour of Japan marked by victories over Zeekstar Tokyo (31–41) and the Japan U21s (37–29) - as well as a training camp in Germany featuring matches against Füchse Berlin (28–31) and HSG Nordhorn-Lingen (44–38) - our Rouge et Bleus' pre-season preparations were drawing to a close. In Denmark since Monday, Stefan Madsen’s men had suffered a defeat against Skjern (35–29) and were preparing to take on Aalborg in a final friendly match that will serve as a dress rehearsal.
The two sides will meet again in less than three weeks’ time, at this very same Sparekassen Arena, for the opening round of the EHF Champions League. There was therefore no doubt that Stefan Madsen would be keen to round off his preparations on a high note against a team he coached for six seasons. All the more so as our Parisians had the support of many French fans who had travelled to fill the stands at the Sparekassen Danmark Arena.
Friendly match or not, the home crowd turned out in force and were making their voices heard. For both Les Rouge et Bleu and the Scandinavians, this pre-season friendly was the final test before the return to competitive action. The Scandinavians’ season, however, will kick off much earlier, as they are set to play in the Danish Super Cup this Sunday against Skanderborg.
While the home crowd are cheering on Thomas Arnoldsen and his team-mates, it was our Parisians who are led the way in the opening minutes (6': 4–6). Solid in defence – thanks in particular to an unbeatable Mikkel Lovkvist – and clinical in attack, the capital club piled the pressure on Aalborg. The visitors were quickly forced to call the first time-out of the match (13': 5–9). Simon Dahl’s new tactical instructions appeared to be quickly taken on board by the Danes, who managed to draw level a few minutes later (19': 10–10).
Although the two sides were neck and neck right up until half-time, a last-gasp goal from the home side saw them head into the changing rooms with a one-goal lead (30': 18–17). Straight after the restart, Aalborg stepped up a gear, putting our Les Rouge et Bleu under the pump (33': 21–17). In turn, Stefan Madsen decided to call a time-out and managed to spark a surge in his players, who not only managed to equalise but also took the lead (42': 25–26).
As the match entered its final quarter of an hour, this encounter was no longer a friendly. With plenty of intensity and determination, the two sides traded blows and gave their all to end their pre-season preparations with a win (51': 31–31). However, in the closing stages, Aalborg managed to find gaps in the Les Rouge et Bleu defence and regained a one-goal lead (57': 34–32). The home side managed to hold on to this lead until the very end to secure a last-gasp victory over a Parisian side that certainly held their own in a match where everyone was given a chance to play (60': 36–34).
It is with this fine contest that our Parisians’ pre-season preparations come to an end. Over the past month, the capital club has been able to strengthen team spirit, be it at Coubertin, in Japan, Germany or Denmark. By taking on top-flight sides, Stefan Madsen’s men have also been able to prepare in the best possible way for the upcoming fixtures, starting with the Trophée des Champions! Paris will face Montpellier at the Arena du Pays d’Aix on Saturday 29 August, with the clear aim of securing their first title of the 2026–2027 season.
