RK ZAGREB: Meštrić, Kastelic; Topić, Chovrebadze, Mamić, Štrlek, Karačić, Gavrić, Raužan, Pavlović, Kalaraš, Abdou, Beljavski, Glavaš, Sadouski, Tufegdžić
PSG: Lovkvist, Corralles; Maraš, Elisson, Omar, Steins, Konan, Mellegard, Karlsson, Sole, Syprzak, Karabatić, Lyse, Peleka, Gaudin, Prandi
Croatian handball champions RK Zagreb delivered a stunning upset in the fifth round of the EHF Champions League, overturning a five-goal deficit to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in front of approximately 2,500 spectators.
The dramatic victory came after Zagreb had struggled against the French powerhouse for much of the match, trailing 17–13 at half-time and falling further behind early in the second period.
However, inspired by an outstanding performance from Ihar Bialiauski, crucial saves from goalkeeper Sandro Meštrić and a decisive late goal from Davor Gavrić, Hrvoje Horvat's team completed an unforgettable comeback.
The result also guaranteed Zagreb third place in Group C and a place in the EHF European League, ensuring their European campaign will continue beyond the Champions League group stage.
PSG Take Control Before Half-Time
Zagreb's evening began with an early setback when Petar Topić received a two-minute suspension less than a minute into the match. PSG immediately took advantage, establishing a 3–1 lead through their experienced attacking players.
Despite the difficult opening, Zagreb responded impressively. Georgian international Giorgi Tskhovrebadze found his rhythm in attack, while captain Filip Glavaš converted two penalties to help the hosts move 5–4 ahead in the seventh minute.
The first half remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging goals and neither side able to establish a comfortable advantage. However, PSG gradually imposed their quality in the closing stages. Spanish winger Ferran Solé led the visitors' attack, scoring repeatedly as the French champions produced a decisive 5–1 run. PSG entered half-time leading 17–13, leaving Zagreb facing a significant challenge.
Zagreb Fight Back From Five Goals Down
The second half initially appeared to follow the same pattern. PSG extended their advantage to 22–17 by the 36th minute, seemingly placing the match beyond Zagreb's reach. However, coach Hrvoje Horvat called a timeout that helped transform his team's performance. Ihar Bialiauski and Igor Karačić began finding gaps in the French defence, gradually reducing the deficit.
Zagreb's defensive intensity also improved considerably, while goalkeeper Sandro Meštrić produced several important saves that prevented PSG from rebuilding their advantage. Bialiauski became increasingly influential, scoring five goals in a ten-minute spell during the second half. With the home crowd growing louder, Zagreb continued to narrow the gap. Captain Filip Glavaš eventually brought the teams level at 27–27 with less than five minutes remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Gavrić Delivers the Winning Goal
The final minutes produced an extraordinary atmosphere inside Arena Zagreb. With the score level and momentum firmly behind the hosts, PSG coach Stefan Madsen reintroduced several of his key players, including Luc Steins, Yahia Omar and Luka Karabatić.
However, Zagreb refused to surrender their newfound advantage. Giorgi Tskhovrebadze scored to put the Croatian champions ahead 28–27, before PSG's Kamil Syprzak restored parity. Then came the decisive moment.
Davor Gavrić scored with approximately 27 seconds remaining, giving Zagreb a 29–28 lead and sending the home supporters into celebration. PSG called a timeout with around 20 seconds left, preparing one final attack to rescue a draw.
But Zagreb's defence stood firm, denying the French side an equaliser and securing an exceptional victory. The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Croatian players and supporters, who had witnessed one of Zagreb's finest recent European results.
Bialiauski and Meštrić Lead Zagreb's Comeback
Although Gavrić scored the winning goal, several Zagreb players delivered outstanding individual performances. Belarusian international Ihar Bialiauski was Zagreb's leading scorer with eight goals, playing a central role in the second-half comeback. Giorgi Tskhovrebadze added seven goals, while Filip Glavaš contributed four. Goalkeeper Sandro Meštrić was equally important, recording nine saves, including eight after half-time.
His second-half performance allowed Zagreb to maintain defensive stability during the most demanding moments. For PSG, Ferran Solé finished as the match's leading scorer with ten goals, while goalkeeper Rodrigo Corrales recorded 11 saves. Croatian international Mateo Maraš also appeared for the French side, scoring once against his compatriots.
Historic Victory Secures European League Place
The result represents only Zagreb's third victory over PSG in 18 meetings between the clubs. Before Wednesday's encounter, the Croatian champions had managed just two wins and one draw in 17 previous matches against the French giants. Zagreb had also suffered a narrow 34–30 defeat in Paris earlier this season and entered the rematch following two losses against Danish powerhouse Aalborg.
Although progression to the next phase of the Champions League was already beyond reach, the victory secured third place in the group and confirmed that Zagreb would continue their European season in the EHF European League. Their final Champions League group fixture will take place away against Slovenian rivals Celje on October 28 at 8:45 p.m. That match will no longer affect Zagreb's position in the group, allowing Horvat's side to focus on preparing for the next stage of their continental campaign.
A Night to Remember at Arena Zagreb
For a team that had experienced several frustrating European defeats, Wednesday's victory provided an important confidence boost. Zagreb demonstrated resilience, tactical discipline and the ability to compete against one of the continent's most established handball clubs.
The comeback was particularly impressive given PSG's experience, attacking quality and five-goal advantage early in the second half. While Bialiauski's scoring and Meštrić's saves laid the foundation for the turnaround, Gavrić's dramatic winner provided the moment that supporters will remember.
Zagreb may be leaving this season's Champions League, but they did so at home with a remarkable victory over one of Europe's biggest clubs — a result that could provide valuable momentum for the challenges ahead.
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