Gonzalo Perez and Petar Sikusa create a miracle in Paris
A poor first half in overall attack, with Barca’s best player repeatedly crashing into goalkeeper Palica, increased doubts that Carlos Ortega’s side will return home with anything positive from Paris in this first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals (14-11).
The feeling at half-time was devastating because Gomez, Richardson or N’Guessan rarely conceded so much and in some strange way, hitting the stands.
Ortega picked Gonzalo Perez (50 percent stops) given that Nielsen touched just one ball and things started to change. Then with Petar Cikusa as a central or creative left-back, because the holders of this position did not have time. And another option: Yank in front so that Staines doesn’t have as much space.
These changes were decisive, and the second half began a 15-11 rally. Without Prandi, injured at the beginning of the match, with Nikola Kabaratic on the side, it is unknown. (without any official input), everything went wrong for PSG. The option of attacking with seven did not reduce the difference, because if he scored, then Frade responded from the center of the field.. The final eight goals will seal the Champions League quarter-final decider next Thursday in Palau.
SUMMARY
PSG (14+8): Andrea Palika Stynes (3), Tonnesen (4), Ferran Sole (4), Prandi, Peleka (1), Syprzak (7.3p) – e. original-; Green (ps.); Nikola Karabatic, Luka Karabatic, Ntanzi (1), Keita (1), Gibelin, Holm (2) and Plantin.
BARSA (11+19): Nielsen; Aleix Gomez (1), Karlsbogar (2), Petrus, Dika Mem (7), Luis Frade (6), Aitor Arinho (3) – e. original-; Gonzalo Perez (ps.); Richardson (6.4 points), Yank, N’Guessan, Petar Cikusa (4), Javi Ruiz (1), Lanagro and Paul Valera.
Partially every 5 minutes: 2-2, 4-4, 8-6, 11-8, 12-10, 14-11 – rest, 15-12, 16-17, 17-20, 19-24, 22-25 and 22-30.
Judges: Schulze and Tönnies (Germany). They excluded Luka Karabatic (2) and Tonnesen from PSG, as well as Janz and Frade from Barcelona.
Basketball court: Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris. Full. In the other match of the day, Veszprém, 32; Aalborg, 31.