Almost two months after ending their campaign with another French championship title, our Rouge et Bleu returned to action on Sunday. This first pre-season match was eagerly awaited, as it gave fans the opportunity a first glimpse of not only the new Parisian recruits, but also the capital club's new head coach, Stefan Madsen. Paris took on Rhein-Neckar Löwen to assess their current form - here's a look back at the first match of the training camp in Germany.
Right from throw-off, Stefan Madsen decided to field several new faces, including Mateo Maras. The Croatian right-back made his mark early on by earning a penalty that was converted by Kamil Syprzak. Although they were playing on unfamiliar ground in the cauldron that is the SNP Dome in Heidelberg, Les Rouge et Bleu quickly found their rhythm.
Already omnipresent for the capital club, Luc Steins picked out Elohim Prandi, who fired a cannonball into the top corner of David Späth's goal to give his side an early lead (3': 2-0). Matéo Maras followed suit a few minutes later with a first goal for his new club. In addition to the attacking flair, this start to the match also provided an opportunity to observe Stefan Madsen's defensive principles. Our Parisians followed their new coach's instructions to the letter, leaving the Germans with no answers as they struggled to find a way through after five minutes (5': 3-0).
As the minutes ticked by, the home side found their rhythm and managed to get back into the game (10': 4-3). However, Paris remained in control of the match. Sebastian Karlsson was particularly impressive on the right wing, finding the back of the net twice (15': 6-3). The first time out called by the capital club saw several substitutions, giving fans a first look at two new faces: Emil Mellegard and Noah Gaudin (19': 10-7). It was the latter who made an impact first, scoring to help his team maintain a three-point lead as the break approached (25': 12-9). In the end, Paris went into the break with a narrow lead after a hard-fought first half (30': 13-12).
After an intense start to the match, the pace gradually slowed in the second half. Both teams showed patience and analysed each other in an attempt to find space, and Mikkel Lovkvist, who came on at half-time, responded to David Späth's saves to keep the score level (35': 14-14). However, Les Rouge et Bleu combined well to find Sebastian Karlsson. From the right wing, the Swedish international kept his cool to score a quick-fire double and take his total to four goals for the match (40': 17-15).
Stefan Madsen's men showed their determination in this first friendly match of the season and gave themselves the means to come away with a first victory. Following a fine save by Lovkvist, Matéo Maras set up Emil Mellegard, who finished off a counter-attack led by the Les Rouge et Bleus' new recruits (45': 19-17).
Although there was nothing at stake, the final minutes promised to be thrilling between two very evenly matched teams. In goal, Mike Jensen responded to Lovkvist and kept his team in the game (51': 23-21). With two minutes to go, the Lions were just one goal adrift (58': 26-26). However, Kamil's fifth and final goal - and another from Emil Mellegard (his third of the match) - sealed a deserved victory for Les Rouge et Bleu (60': 28-26).
Mission accomplished for Stefan Madsen and his men. Displaying great control throughout the match, the Parisians got their pre-season preparations off to the best possible start. They will face Frisch Auf Göppingen, another big name in German handball, on Tuesday. Throw-off for this final match of the training camp in Germany is scheduled for 19:30.
(Credits: A. Meunier/PSG)