Retro: When Paris won away to Veszprém
Handball•
Paris Saint-Germain Handball travel to Veszprém for the first leg of their EHF Champions League play-off on Wednesday 1 April. Les Rouge et Bleu have only ever won twice away to the Hungarian giants.
The capital club travelled to Veszprém for Matchday 7 of the Champions League group stage on 20 November 2016. It was an opportunity to record an historic first win in the electric Veszprém Aréna while notching a sixth consecutive victory on the European stage for the season. Having just beaten Barcelona at Coubertin, Les Rouge et Bleu followed up with theie first-ever victory at this difficult venue, prevailing in a hard-fought encounter in Hungary (28-29).
The Magyars had not lost at their stadium for three years, making the Parisians' success all the more impressive. Zvonimir Serdarušić's men could count on spectacular saves from Thierry Omeyer and a fine performance from Uwe Gensheimer, who scored eight goals. The win consolidated Les Rouge et Bleu in their position at the top of the group ahead of the return leg.
Almost a year later, on 18 November 2017, the capital club met up again with their Hungarian rivals in the group stage, and on a similar dynamic, with six wins from seven matches. Paris won the first leg against Veszprém at Coubertin with authority (33-28) and went into the match full of confidence. This was evident on the court, despite a difficult start that gave no hint of whatthe final result would be (12': 8-3).
The Hungarians put up a tough fight against Nikola Karabatic and his team-mates, who waited until the last ten minutes to really break away. The protagonists were the same as the season before: in goal, Thierry Omeyer was imperious with 12 saves, while Germany's Gensheimer outdid himself with a ten-goal haul. Les Rouge et Bleu claimed victory in Veszprém for the second year running, leaving a lasting impression in the process (24-29).
Stefan Madsen's men must draw inspiration from these two victories if they are to win the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday 1 April 2026. They will have to show exemplary discipline, but they will also have to contend with an atmosphere that promises to be white-hot. Of Veszprém's seven defeats in Europe this season, only two have come at home -against Berlin and Aalborg, the top two teams in Group A.
Before the return leg at Coubertin in a week's time, the Parisians know what it takes to prevail at the Hungarian fortress in what promises to be a spectacular encounter. The time is set: 18:45.