The walk was far too high for a New-Look PSG handball, now driven by the Danish Stefan Madsen. Finalist of the Champions League 2021 with Aalborg (Denmark), the coach’s mission is to bring Paris back to Cologne in June 2026 after two stinging failures in the quarterfinals (against Barcelona in 2024) then in the final 8th (against Szeged 2025).
For its first champions League match of the season, the capital’s club was logically beaten (37-31) this Wednesday in Magdeburg, reigning European champion who has not lost the slightest meeting since March 21.
Even if Parisians did not deserve, the difference between the two teams was obvious, especially during the second act. Within a very raised group B (Magdeburg, Barça, Szeged), Paris will have no choice but to be quickly there with its eight new players.
Defensively, PSG was not there
Despite this strong opposition, the Parisians nevertheless achieved an encouraging first act, especially offensively thanks to an excellent Kamil Syprzak (5 achievements in 30 minutes, 10/11 on shots in the end), leading twice (4-6, 7th; 6-8, 10th). Defensively, there is nothing to do with it. Luka Karabatic has two outings for two minutes in a short time, and the guards do not exist. Jannick Green makes a single parade and Stanis Soullier none. The Germans, who turn 81 % of efficiency in attack, saw in mind (21-17).
Upon returning from the locker room, Magdeburg passes the high speed by creating a slightly greater gap (27-22, 40th; 32-26, 48th) that Paris cannot reduce. Ten minutes from the end, the German rear base achieves a 17/17 shots … Logically beaten, PSG will have no right to make mistakes Thursday, September 18 at home against the Macedonians of Pelister Bitola during the 2nd day. Before this duel, Parisians will go to Saint-Raphaël this Sunday for the 2nd day of the Starligue.
