12.04.2015, 07:40
Everything is still to be decided between PSG and Veszprem

QUARTER-FINAL MATCH REVIEW: After a physical encounter, PSG managed to snatch a tie thanks to a last minute goal by Abalo

Everything is still to be decided between PSG and Veszprem

Veszprem will be disappointed that they couldn't hold onto their lead, which they had for most of the game.

The first half started with strong defences on both sides combined with a slow tempo and the game stayed this way right until the end.

VELUX EHF Champion League Quarter-final first leg:
Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) vs MKB Veszprem (HUN) 24:24 (10:12)

Roland Mikler, the Hungarian goalkeeper, helped his team create the first gap. His saves, along with Momir Ilic’s long-distance goals gave Veszprem the first advantage after eight minutes (5:2).

PSG relied on Hansen and Abalo to stay in the game. It was not enough, though, and Veszprem took the lead at half-time with two goals (12:10).

Back from the changing rooms, Veszprem even toughened their defense. Mikler racked up a number of saves and both Marguc and Ivancsik we scoring on fast breaks and the gap was increasing little by little.

From two goals at half-time, it became five after 47 minutes, thanks to another Marguc fast goal.

But just when it looked like when it was over, William Accambray came on the court and literally the day for the Paris outfit. The Parisian left back scored four goals in a row and suddenly his team was back in the game.

Omeyer saved three important shots in the last few minutes, and Luc Abalo ended this last minute comeback with a goal of his own.

Both best scorers hit the net eight times, and they were Momir Ilic for Veszprem and Mikkel Hansen for PSG.

"There is still room for improvement for us. To come away with a tie, after losing so many balls and missing so many shots gives us hope. We have a week to think about a way through this defence," Philippe Gardent, PSG coach said.

"We gave them the tie, we stopped playing in the last fifteen minutes and this gave PSG the means for a come back. It's a good reminder that nothing's ever over in handball and it will keep the pressure on us until next week," Momir Ilic said.

TEXT: Kevin Domas / bc