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The return to action marked the resumption of Ferran Solé’s spectacular performance; ruthless, he scored his seventh goal from as many attempts (32': 14–18). With the pace having slowed somewhat and his players unable to close the gap, Hrvoje Horvat decided to call the first time-out of the second half (40': 17-22). The Croatian coach’s tactical adjustments, combined with several turnovers by the Parisians, gave the home side a new lease of life, and they attacked the final 15 minutes with renewed vigour (46': 22-24).

In the closing stages, the home side managed to draw level, treating their fans to a nail-biting finish (56': 27-27). This marked the start of a fierce battle right down to the very last seconds between two teams giving their all to secure a result. With Paris trailing with just twenty seconds remaining, Stefan Madsen decided to play his final card by calling a time-out. The Croatians, however, remained solid in defence and clinched a narrow victory at the Arena Zagreb (60': 29-28).