A draw to round off preparations

Take a look back at the match that continued the capital club's run-in for the return to official competition against Nîmes in the Coupe de France on 4 February.
As was the case in the first friendly match, against Tremblay last week (35-34), the two sides clashed over four 15-minute periods. At kick-off, Raul Gonzalez decided to field Janick, Wallem, Jacob, Saidou, Adama, David and Ruben. It was Ruben who gave Les Rouge et Bleu their first break (9': 4-6). After this strong start, the capital club ended the quarter with a three-point lead on the scoreboard (15': 7-10).

Right from the start of the second half, Paris showed their determination to extend the lead (17': 7-12). The home side did not give up, however, and managed to get back on level terms (21': 12-12). A few minutes before the break, Jacob Holm restored the Parisians' comfortable lead, forcing Ivry to call a time-out (28': 14-17). The stoppage had no effect on Les Rouge et Bleu, who managed to add to their lead before the interval, thanks to a final strike from David Balaguer (30': 14-19).

In the second period, the capital club took care of business and took advantage of being a man up to take the lead (41': 17-24). Thanks to several saves from Jannick Green, Les Rouge et Bleu kept their opponents at bay, ending the third period with the same lead they had enjoyed at the break (45th: 20-25).

However, Ivry gave it their all and took advantage of a slackening in the Parisian rearguard to close the gap (55': 30-30) in money time. Les Rouge et Bleu werent to be overhauled, however, and the matched ended honours even (60': 32-32).

RAUL GONZALEZ (PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN HANDBALL COACH)

"We're pleased because, despite a reduced squad, all the players made an effort and got involved in this match. We have to be satisfied and continue on this path until the internationals get back. I'm pleased with the players from the youth academy, who played really well. It's good to be able to count on them."

ADAMA KEITA (LEFT-WINGER, PARIS SAINT GERMAIN HANDBALL)

"We prepared fairly quickly, with two friendlies in the space of a week. It was important to coach the youngsters who joined us for this preparation and who aren't used to training with the professional squad. It's my role to help them and guide them physically and athletically. We're still waiting for the internationals to come back, but we've done a good job. I hope we'll have a chance to look to the young players again before the end of the season."

(Credits: N. Nsenga Mutoka/PSG)