Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced Kiel in a highly anticipated match for the top spot in Group A. Kiel, struggling in their domestic league, relied on the Champions League to regain their momentum.
The first half of the game was dominated by defense. PSG goalkeeper Jannick Green put on an excellent performance, preventing Kiel from taking the lead. However, PSG’s offensive struggles and turnovers prevented them from pulling away (2-2 after 7 minutes). Luc Steins eventually gave PSG a 2-goal lead at the 10-minute mark (4-2). PSG intensified their efforts and became more efficient in attack. Green continued his stellar performance, making 5 saves with a 50% success rate after 15 minutes. Kiel, despite accumulating 2-minute penalties, managed to stay in the game and remained in contention (6-6 after 17 minutes).
Raul Gonzalez’s players struggled to create separation in their offensive play, but their defense was impressive, with multiple counterattacks (8-7 after 20 minutes). PSG coach called for a timeout to rejuvenate his team’s offense at the 21-minute mark. Mathieu Grébille had an outstanding first half, scoring 4 goals and providing excellent defense in his usual position (13-13 after 28 minutes). The first half ended with PSG having a one-goal advantage (14-13 after 30 minutes). It was a true defensive battle, as Kiel never let PSG pull away, thanks to their offensive leader Harald Reinkind, who scored 7 goals.
In the second half, David Balaguer entered the game and immediately made an impact, forming a strong partnership with Elohim Prandi and intercepting crucial balls, giving PSG the lead (16-15). Rune Dahkme started the second half strongly for Kiel, scoring 3 goals in 7 minutes and allowing his team to regain the lead for the first time in a while, eventually building a 2-goal advantage (19-21 after 39 minutes). The start of the second half showcased a mini-battle between young playmaker Elias Ellefsen á Skipagotu (7 goals) and David Balaguer, with both players displaying their passing and shooting skills (23-23 after 42 minutes). Elohim Prandi, who had limited playing time in the first half, also stepped up, scoring two crucial goals to help PSG retake control (24-23 after 44 minutes).
However, PSG lost their momentum with 15 minutes remaining, allowing Kiel to regain the advantage (27-28 after 51 minutes). It was at this precise moment that Samir Bellahcene, the PSG goalkeeper, decided to block everything that came his way. Kiel took a 4-goal lead with 6 minutes left, capitalizing on PSG’s turnovers. Raul Gonzalez made substitutions, but it was all in vain as the former Dunkerque goalkeeper proved too strong in the decisive moments of the match (28-34 final score).
Kiel, struggling in their domestic league, secured the top spot in their Champions League group, while PSG ended up in second place. PSG will face Chambéry in their domestic league in an attempt to maintain their undefeated streak before the international break.
