A successful return to competition in Aix

Comptes-rendus

Paris Saint-Germain handball came from behind to beat Pays d'Aix 28-26 on Sunday. Here's a look back at this Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 10 fixture.

After the first international break of the season, Les Rouge et Bleu returned to business with a trip Provence to face Pays d'Aix. It loomed as a tricky match for the capital club as, in addition to the calibre of their opponents, Paris had to make do without two of their star performers: Elohim Prandi and Luc Steins. Raul Gonzalez had to rely on the depth of a squad brimming with quality options capable of making a difference. In the beautiful surroundings of the Arena du Pays d'Aix, Éric Forets' men were looking to get back to winning ways after four defeats on the bounce.

From the very first minutes, the home side attacked with a fighting spirit that surprised Les Rouge et Bleus (5': 3-1). However, it didn't take long for the capital club to find their rhythm, and Jannick's saves - combined with a brace from the inevitable Kamil Syprzak - saw Paris get back on level terms (12': 5-5). From then on, Aix found themselves in real trouble, Raul Gonzalez's men showing splendid defensive discipline throughout the first half (17': 6-8).

This defensive solidity was underlined by a series of saves from Jannick and Andreas Palicka, who denied two Aix penaltie to prevent the home side from regaining their lead (20': 9-10). An equaliser came a few minutes later, but it didn't faze the Parisians. Quite the opposite, in fact. Les Rouge et Bleu were unstoppable at the end of the first period, putting four unanswered goals past their hosts. Serious in defence and diligent going forward, Paris went into the half-time break with a three-point lead (30': 11-14).

Back on the court, the Parisians kept up the pace and increased their lead to five goals thanks to Kamil (33': 12-17). The home side did not give up, however, and redoubled their efforts to get back on track. Their efforts were rewarded not only with a wave of attacking success, but also by the Joze Baznik show (40': 18-19). The Aix goalkeeper stepped up his game in the second period and put Les Rouge et Bleu to the sword. Impassive in the face of numerous Parisian attempts, he allowed his side to turn the match on its head in the space of a few minutes (43': 21-19). As is so often the case, it was in the weaker moments that the capital club were able to dig deep to make the difference. Buoyed by superb goals from youngsters Noa Narcisse and Wallem Peleka, Paris regained the lead as the final ten minutes approached (49': 22-23).

Andreas Palicka then showed the full extent of his talent to keep Les Rouge et Bleu in the lead. Faced with this lightning turnaround, PAUC found themselves somewhat helpless, but did not break down (55': 25-25). Without a second thought, Paris went back into the fight, and in a big way! Perfectly served by Yahia Omar, Noa scored a sensational kung-fu (56': 25-26). On the final play of the game, it was Wallem again, with an unstoppable cannonball, who sealed the fate of the match (60': 26-28). Put to the test by a valiant Pays d'Aix side, the capital club came out on top thanks to a fine defensive display and a crucial contribution from the young guns. The win - Paris's tenth in as many games - means Les Rouge et Bleu remain alone at the top of the Liqui Moly StarLigue standings.

Reactions from Patrice Annonay, Wallem Peleka and Noa Narcisse :

(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)