PSG lost against Aalborg. – Ina Fassbender / AFP
Little clap of thunder. The PSG handball, for his fifth participation in six years in the Final 4 of the Champions League, was surprised by the Danish club Aalborg (35-33) in the semifinals, this Saturday in Cologne, and missed another opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time.
Aalborg climbed to the final for his first participation in the last four and will meet FC Barcelona on Sunday, in search of a tenth record trophy, or the HBC Nantes, opposed in the early evening in the other semi-final (6 p.m.). It is a huge disappointment for PSG, yet given favorite in this semi-final. But the champion of France declined in defense, in the second half, making mistakes that cost him dearly.
PSG led by two goals at the break
Paris Saint-Germain nevertheless led the first period from start to finish and took up to five lengths in advance after returning from the locker room (21-16). But the future club of the Danish back PSG, Mikkel Hansen, never gave up, putting insane pressure on the Parisians, who failed to master the fast Danish game. While still leading by two goals (24-22) with a quarter of an hour from the end, the Parisians accused the blow in defense and Aalborg found the resources to pass for the first time in front.
The class of attackers of the Scandinavian club weighed. Swedish winger Felix Claar, already author of a 5/6 on shots in the first period, caused damage, as did left-back Henrik Mollgaard (4 goals), a former Parisian player. Fullback Nikolaj Christensen also weighed in, especially in the second half, and hurt the Parisian defense in which goalkeeper Vincent Gérard was not decisive.
Since its inception in 2010, the Final Four has been marked by surprises. Aalborg therefore inscribed his name, in turn, on the list of outsiders having brought down the big cars. To the chagrin of PSG who will have to wait at least another year to lift the European trophy.