09.12.2014, 09:40
Giant killer Zagreb maintain flawless home record vs PSG

GROUP A MATCH REVIEW: Zagreb’s fortress remains impregnable as the Croatian outfit beat PSG to make a big step towards the last 16.

Giant killer Zagreb maintain flawless home record vs PSG

Zagreb made the most of the lucklustre PSG side and maintained their 100 per cent home record by beating their French visitors by a single goal. The Croatian champions needed the miracles of Filip Ivic to keep them ahead in the last minutes but for the home side it was a well-deserved win, which concluded the VELUX EHF Champions League action in 2014.

The European top flight will resume after the winter break and the World Championship in Qatar as the defending champions SG Flensburg-Handewitt will receive Besiktas MOGAZ HT on 11 February.

GROUP A

HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) vs PSG Handball (FRA) 25:24 (14:13)

Zagreb knew they needed a victory and started accordingly in front of their 13,000 fans. PSG looked tired and immediately had problems with the physical approach of the home side.

The Croatian side took an early lead which they held on to in the first half but PSG never let them too far ahead. Parisien starters had an off day, Thierry Omeyer barely made an impact and Mikkel Hansen had difficulties finding his way towards the Croatian goal.

It was Daniel Narcisse, who kept PSG in the game but the Croatian side still had the lead at the break. Xavier Barachet finally equalised at the beginning of the second half but Zagreb regained momentum by goals from the excellent Zlatko Horvat and Sandro Obranovic and did not let the Parisiens take over.

The constant physical pressure from the Zagreb wall was too much for the visitors and Josip Valcic made the visitors pay for their mistakes as the Croatian outfit edged closer and closer to cause an upset.

Filip Ivic, who remained a focal point for Zagreb the entire game made three crucial saves in the last minutes to save the victory for the Croatian team. Neither of the teams are through to the last 16 but both can seal their places in the knockout stage in the next round when Zagreb play host to La Rioja while PSG welcome Meshkov Brest.

TEXT: Bence Martha / br