A winning return to Coubertin

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After five consecutive away games, Paris Saint-Germain Handball returned to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Saturday evening for Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 9. Looking to continue their perfect start to the league season, they played a side that likes to trouble the more prestigious teams away from home: Chartres. Before the game, Yann Genty warned that this match would not be all fun and games.

As was the case against Toulouse on Wednesday (25-39), Les Rouge et Bleu started very well defensively, but also in attack (7': 4-2). Adama Keita was the perfect example, intercepting an opponent's pass before scoring on the counter (9': 5-2). But the Chartres rear guard had a response and raised their game in turn, with fewer goals and a narrower lead for Paris ensuing (12': 6-4). To get back on track, the capital club looked to Mikkel Hansen, who scored consecutive penalties to give his team some breathing space.

Among the main movers of this first half was Adama, who bagged five goals (from as many attempts!) after 18 minutes of play (18': 11-6). At the other end of the court, Vincent Gérard was also in form. Well helped by his defenders, he won several of his duels and gave his offensive line the means to extend the gap (23': 15-8). At the break, after a last goal from Kamil Syprzak just before the buzzer, Paris went back to the locker room in a strong position.

Already very efficient in the first half, our defence tightened even further after switching to a 5-1 (36': 22-13). Les Rouge et Bleu saw their lead increase to +10, after a goal by Mathieu Grébille from the wing (38': 24-14). As has often been the case since the beginning of the season, Raul Gonzalez's men did not let up and maintained the lead (43': 27-17). The last quarter of the game arrived and they were still putting on a show, with Nedim Remili hitting the target with a magnificent chabala (45': 28-18). 

A few moments later, the outcome of the match seemed to be beyond doubt (49': 31-19). Kamil took advantage of this attacking festival to score his 200th league goal in the (51': 32-20), while Mikky brought Coubertin to its feet with a sublime spin-shot (56': 35-23). Paris Saint-Germain Handball won with the same score as on Wednesday and continued their faultless run in the Liqui Moly StarLigue to remain in sole control atop the league standings.

(Credits: A. Gadoffre/TeamPics/PSG)