24.11.2018, 08:22
Szeged end PSG’s unbeaten run in Match of the Week

MOTW REVIEW: MOL-Pick Szeged became the first team to defeat Paris-Saint Germain this season, and narrow the gap to the Group B leaders to just one point

Szeged end PSG’s unbeaten run in Match of the Week

Saturday night’s VELUX EHF Champions League Match of the Week was everything expected between the two top teams in Group B. After their away defeat in France, MOL-Pick Szeged took revenge and beat Paris-Saint Germain HB at home by one goal. Szeged goalkeeper Mirko Alilovic was essential with his 18 saves, while Stefan Sigurmansson scored 11.

The Hungarian side caused PSG their first defeat of the season and are now back within one point of the top of the ranking after nine rounds.

"They deserved the victory. We had good attack, but we didn't know what we can do against Alilovic. Unfortunatley, we missed three penalties," said PSG coach Raul Gonzalez. "I am satisfied with our Champions League appearance. I am proud of my players."

• After eight straight wins, PSG are beaten for the first time this season, by Szeged
• Szeged goalkeeper Mirko Alilovic is elected player of the game, presented by Uniqa
• The top scorer of the game is Szeged’s Stefan Sigurmansson with 11 goals; Sander Sagosen and Nedim Remili net seven times each for PSG
• Paris are still on top of Group B, one point ahead of Szeged

GROUP B
MOTW: MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) vs Paris Saint-Germain HB (FRA) 33:32 (16:14)

Szeged had given Paris a hard time in the first leg of the face-off three weeks ago and the opening half of Saturday’s Match of the Week encounter proved that was no coincidence. The Hungarian side relied on strong defence and an impressive Mirko Alilovic between the posts to take the first advantage of the game, leading by three after just five minutes. The Croatian goalkeeper saved nine shots before the break, including two penalty throws, and was essential to his team.

The three-goal gap remained intact throughout the first 30 minutes, despite Remili’s effort to decrease it. The PSG right back scored five in the opening half, including the last goal before the break, but with Paris’ defence too shaky to stop the locals, Szeged were still ahead by two when they returned to the dressing-room.

PSG came back from the break in high spirits, with their defence helping them close the gap to one after just four minutes, thanks to a goal from Rene Toft Hansen (19:18). But the visitors could never level the score.

Alilovic picked up where he left off, stopping clear chances from Szeged’s opponents, including a fast-break attempt from Luc Abalo. At the other end of the court, Zsolt Balogh and Richard Bodo were firing on all cylinders and it was Balogh who gave Szeged a five-goal advantage after 43 minutes (25:20).

Despite Sagosen’s best efforts, Paris were clearly not able to compete with their hosts and were never in the position to come back. Sigurmansson scored his eighth penalty of the evening – his 11th goal overall – and the Hungarian side secured the first victory over PSG this season.

TEXT: Kevin Domas / cg