Paris hit the ground running

News

The context:
After returning to competition last Friday with their eighth Coupe de France victory over Ajaccio (25-39), Paris Saint-Germain Handball took part in Lidl StarLigue Round 14 action. League leaders with 13 victories from as many games, Paris were nonetheless faced with a difficult task at the Palais des Sports André-Brouat in Toulouse. Indeed, the Fenix, fifth on the table, are having a great season and have already claimed some 'big' scalps.

The match:
The start was very tricky for Les Rouge et Bleu. They were hampered by a solid Toulouse rear-guard, but also by an awkwardness against the opposing goalkeeper, and they had difficulty getting the ball in the net (6': 6-2). But while things may have been tough up front, things worked well at the back. Our team intercepted several balls in front of their six-yard line and made up some of the ground lost thanks to several counter-attacks (15': 9-8). But the momentum of the match continued to build and the home side quickly regained control of the game (23': 15-11). Fortunately, Raul Gonzalez's men finished off the first act very well, with Dylan Nahi present on all fronts to bring his side to within a goal at the break (30': 17-16).

As the second half began, the Parisians seemed to have learned their lesson from the early stages of the game. In the space of two possession, they turned the situation around and took control of the game for the first time, thanks to Dylan (32': 17-18). This achievement marked the start of our left-winger's gala performance. Just as impressive in defence as in attack, he allowed the capital club to take a promising lead (43': 21-24). Defensively, Rodrigo Corrales closed up shop and the Toulouse attack failed to make up the lost ground (48': 22-27). Nahi, still unplayable, was on hand to score a string of counter-attacks and goals (55': 24-33). Paris Saint-Germain Handball, serious and diligent throughout the second half, won the game in style (28-36).

Player of the Match: Dylan Nahi
Dylan Nahi's performance was impressive. Extremely skillful in front of Jef Lettens' goal, Les Rouge et Bleus' No99 scored from eight of his nine attempts. But his power was also evident in the defensive domain, allowing him to make interceptions and convert them into goals.

The word: Run
Our team started its 2020 year as it ended its 2019 year: with a victory. This is our fourteenth win from as many Lidl StarLigue games. With 28 points, they are now six points ahead of their nearest challengers, Nantes (22) and eight ahead of third-placed Nimes (20).

Coming up:
Paris Saint-Germain Handball will be playing their third of five consecutive away games on Sunday, when they travel to Slovenia to take on Celje in the Velux EHF Champions League Matchday 11 action. A win over Celje, who sit in sixth-place in Group A, could see them secure at least second place in the group. Then, next month, there will be a third clash with Toulouse, in Le Mans on 14 march for the Coupe de la Ligue semi-final.

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)