PSG win top of the table clash against Veszprém
PSG win top of the table clash against Veszprém
The Group A top-of-the table clash produced a truly fascinating battle between two teams vying for the VELUX EHF Champions League title.
PSG prevailed in the final few minutes to go top of the section with 10 points from six games, ahead of Veszprem who have nine.
Recording their first away win this season at Plock, 2014 winners SG Flensburg-Handewitt stay hot on their heels as the German now has eight point on its account.
Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) vs MVM Veszprem (HUN) 29:27 (16:12)
The team from France deservedly carved out a four-goal halftime lead before Icelandic playmaker Aron Palmarsson began to find his range following a quiet first half.
Alilovic also produced several stunning saves to allow Veszprem to draw level with the score 27:27 as the game headed into the last two minutes.
With the home side 28:27 ahead, the visitors threw away possession with 30 seconds left and Xavier Barachet converted the resultant fast break to seal the contest.
Paris Saint-Germain’s driving force Mikkel Hansen won his personal contest with counterpart Momir Ilic, netting a game-high 11 goals to propel the French outfit.
The unstoppable Dane tormented Veszprem goalkeeper Mirko Alilovic with a barrage of long-range thunderbolts from the nine-metre line and beyond, while winger Luc Abalo bedazzled his markers with his relentless pace.
Palmarsson netted seven for the visitors while Ilic, who was subdued in the second half, added five for Veszprem.
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 30:34 (13:17)
Keeper Mattias Andersson was the star of the show saving 23 shots from Plock including three penalties as his side picked up a crucial road win.
Flensburg were boosted by the early counter-attack goals of Danish wing Anders Eggert as the side from Germany forged ahead to the half-time score of 17:13.
Backed by the vociferous support from the stands and a clear improvement in defence the hosts reduced the gap until Angel Montoro made the arena go crazy by scoring to tie the game at 27:27.
Flensburg were extremely shaken, but three hammer goals from the combination of Holger Glandorf and Rasmus Lauge paved the way for the fourth win this season.
Thanks to this victory, the 2014 VELUX EHF Champions League winners kept up with their local rivals Kiel on eight points while Plock are sixth with just three points.
“We had full control of the match, then gave it from the hands for a certain period after some easy mistakes. When it counted, we were back, but I am not fully satisfied with the performance, only with the two points," revealed winning coach Ljubomir Vranjes.
