One win away from the grand slam

News

Paris Saint-Germain Handball made their last trip of the Liqui Moly StarLigue season on Saturday evening, travelling to Saint-Raphaël for their Round 29 clash. The Parisians, already champions, were two wins away from a perfect season - and becoming the first team to complete the grand slam. To do so, they would first have to defeat Saint-Raphaël, eighth in the standings and still in with a chance of a European finish.

Few goals were scored in this early game. Both teams defend well and could count on their goalkeepers being in good shape; Vincent made three early saves (5': 3-4). Offensively, Ferran made an excellent start! Our Spanish winger had already scored five goals after just ten minutes (11': 7-7) and, after the first quarter of an hour, Paris had a small lead over their opponents, even though the match was still up for grabs (15': 9-11).

Ferran - who, if he keeps scoring at this pace, will certainly break records (12 out of 13 at the end of the match) - scored more than half of the Parisian goals (19': 12-14). Les Rouge et Bleu had a four-goal lead with five minutes to go before half-time, with Elohim scoring powerfully (26': 14-18). Our players increased the gap a little more before the break and went back to the locker room with a five-goal advantage (30': 15-20). 

Les Rouge et Bleu started the second half with just as much application (36': 18-25) and were not seriously worried for the moment. Our players took the opportunity to increase the lead, keeping Saint-Raphaël at a distance as Dainis scored our thirtieth of the match (43': 22-30) and Vincent continued to rack up the saves (11 in total). In his characteristically powerful style, Elohim scored Paris' 35th goal to put the capital club ten goals ahead of their opponents (50': 35-25).

Having a big lead, Les Rouge et Bleu could afford to ring the changes, with Raul bringing on some of the youngsters from the academy. After some good work from Gautier Loredon, who earned a penalty, it was Valentin Bzdynga who converted (53': 28-37). Minutes later the buzzer sounded and Paris Saint-Germain Handball moved to within one victory of the grand slam.

See you at Coubertin on Wednesday against Créteil for what we hope will be an historic end to an unbelievable season!

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)