Following an eventful pre-season, the Parisians returned to competitive action with a high-profile fixture against Montpellier in the Trophée des Champions in Aix. It marked the start of the season and promised plenty of thrilling moments.
With the trophy in their sights, these two giants of French handball traded blows right from the start of the match. Prandi replied to Plantin, then Steins to Casado, back and forth (2–2, 4'). Although our Parisians then took the upper hand, thanks in particular to Elo (5–3, 9'), Montpellier 'keeper Rémi Desbonnet was in top form, making nine saves by half-time. This figure, combined with Casado’s five goals, saw the south-westerners take a solid lead into the break (8–12). Although they had proven the more enterprising side, with 22 shots to Montpellier’s 19, Les Rouge et Bleu were struggling to convert their chances (39 per cent compared to Montpellier’s 63 per cent).
However, Paris dug deep in the second half and fought back to turn the match around. And no-one dug deeper than Mikkel Lovkvist, who racked up no fewer than ten second-half saves to slow down Montpellier's attack while the capital club's forwards became more clinical up front. Elisson levelled the score for his side (13–13)at the end of a breathless ten-minute period that saw each side cop a temporary send-off as tempers flared (38').
As the minutes ticked down, Paris made the difference thanks to Ferran Solé’s composure, the Spaniard converting three penalties to make the break (21–19, 59'). As the tension peaked, the Parisians experienced a final scare when Montpellier went all out following a foul by Kamil Syprzak, but the danger was averted. Paris held out and won the Trophée des Champions, kicking off a season with a portentous result that - fittingly - saw Luka Karabatic become the most decorated player in the history of Paris Saint-Germain Handball!
His face is hidden, but his eyes betray the drive and passion that will power him throughout the season!
Mikkel Lovkvist
12 saves (38%)
1 assist
Yahia Omar
2 goals
7 assists
1 steal
Elohim Prandi
3 goals
3 assists
2 steals
