The Paris Saint-Germain Handball team, heavily defeated on Wednesday in Veszprem (Hungary) in the first leg of the playoffs (32-24), has jeopardized its chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, a prospect that Nantes glimpses after overturning the Danes of Gudme in the final minute at their home (33-34).
Incredible end of the match in Denmark, where the “H” team defended themselves with one minute left to avoid being three goals behind (33-31), before eventually coming out with a favorable ballot before the return next Wednesday in France.
Two interceptions within 20 seconds by Thibaud Briet and then Kauldi Odriozola first allowed them to equalize, before Aymeric Minne, despite little success (3/8), capitalized on an effort by Ignacio Biosca by exploding, just before the buzzer, a shot from nearly 13 meters into the goal of Salah Boutaf, who could only slow down the ball. An unexpected outcome for Nantes, already stunning in the league on Saturday in Aix-en-Provence (29-28).
Trailing by five goals with fifteen minutes to go (27-22) against the youthful Danish team, they gradually returned thanks to the saves by Biosca (4/20) and the connection between Romain Lagarde, back from injury last weekend, and Niortais Nicolas Tournat (7/9).
Mandatory exploit required for Paris to come back
In contrast, the Parisians will need an exploit at Coubertin next Thursday to avoid being eliminated before the quarter-finals for the second year in a row. They appeared confident, riding on a year marked by signs of improvement – three wins and a draw in the Champions League – after a difficult few months since the arrival of Danish Stefan Madsen as coach.
This momentum did not withstand the test of the red light from Veszprem, despite their recent struggles and the pressure put on the team by the president. The Hungarians started strong, led by their French internationals Nedim Remili (4/11 and 5 decisive passes), as well as Yannis Lenne (6/6) and Hugo Descat (10/10, including 6/6 on penalties).
PSG with an eight-goal deficit
They took a five-goal lead within the first fifteen minutes of play (8-3), after successfully navigating a numerical disadvantage situation (2-0 during those two minutes) against the Parisians who struggled to pick up the pace, appearing sluggish in their executions (10 turnovers).
These difficulties haunted them throughout the match, except for a better period around the 45th minute (26-21, 54th minute), symbolized by the backline (2/7 for Yahia Omar and 4/10 for Elohim Prandi) and the dire consequences of the last sequence before the return.
They fumbled a chance for a -6 goal with 30 seconds left after a timeout called by Madsen, and just before the buzzer, they conceded a goal increasing their deficit to eight goals.
