A friendly win to start 2024
On Wednesday, Paris kicked off 2024 with a friendly win against Proligue leaders Tremblay - an opportunity for players who haven't been called up to EHF Euro 2024 to stay in form during the break. Take a look back at this match played behind closed doors at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.
In a match played in four 15-minute quarters, the Parisians made a perfect start, carving out an early break (3': 2-0). However, friendly match or not, Tremblay gave their all and quickly got back on level terms with the capital club, who had fielded several youth academy talents for the match. Building on the momentum he built throughout the first part of the season, Jannick Green pulled off a massive save to keep Les Rouge et Bleu ahead on the scoreboard (13': 7-6), before saving the capital club yet again right on the quarter-time buzzer (15': 8-8).
Early in the second period, Tremblay took the lead for the first time of the match, but David Balaguer reset the counter with a superb chabala (18': 10-10). In sparkling form, the Spaniard then put Paris in front (23': 13–12). A few minutes before half-time, Raul Gonzalez decided to bring in academy youngster Théo Ducap to replace Jacob Holm, with fellow youngster Léo Plantin distinguishing himself shortly thereafter (28': 16–16). The capital club ended the first half with a two-goal lead thanks to a beautiful play by Ruben Marchan (30': 18-16).
After the break, Raul Gonzalez opted for a starting lineup composed of Jannick, Mathieu, Ruben, David, Jacob, Adama, and Wallem. Similar to the beginning of the second period, the visitors immediately drew level (32': 18–18). But Jacob, with two quick goals, got Les Rouge et Bleu back out in front (34': 20-18). At the conclusion of a splendid team move launched by Peleka, Balaguer shone once again and allowed the Parisians to really take control of the game (39': 24–20). After Théo Ducap's entry in the first half, Amara Karamoko took the court at Coubertin. At the end of this third period, the capital club continued to lead the game (45': 26–24).
For the last period, Raul Gonzalez decided to start with the young Stanis Soullier in goal. The 19-year-old shone brightly from the off, starting with a fine save that allowed Paris to maintain their lead (47': 28-24). Although the capital club was still leading the game, Tremblay managed to stay alive, and even closed much of the gap in money-time (56': 32-31). Holding on in this final period, Paris claimed the win in a game that had seen several youth academy stars enjoying some precious first-team game time (60': 34–33).
The next game for Raul Gonzalez's will be on 23 January, away to Ivry in another friendly game before returning to official competition against Nîmes in the Coupe de France quarter-finals at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Sunday 4 February.
(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)