Paris late show topples Nîmes at the Parnasse

Comptes-rendus

At the end of a high-intensity match, Paris Saint-Germain Handball won at Le Parnasse against a valiant Nîmes side (28-29). A look back at Les Rouge et Bleus' fine performance on Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 27.

Three weeks after their last league outing, Les Rouge et Bleu returned to the Liqui Moly StarLigue with a crucial trip to the Parnasse in Nîmes. With Nantes drawing 32-32 in Aix the day before, Raul Gonzalez's men could take another step towards a twelfth French championship title. To do so, they would have to get the better of a Nîmes side riding a wave of form. Still in contention for the last qualifying spot in the EHF European League, the Green Team were determined to upset the capital club's plans.

THE Parnasse in top form

From the kick-off, the home side were spurred on by a Parnasse in full voice. Clinical in front of goal, David Degouy's men were the first to make the difference (4': 2-0). However, the Greens didn't have things their way for long. Thanks to some early saves by Jannick Green (including one from a Sanad penalty) and the explosive play of Wallem Peleka and Elohim Prandi, Paris drew level (9': 2-2).

As the minutes ticked by, the capital club increasingly took control of the game. Be it from set plays or on the counter, our Parisians found the weak spot and managed to create their first break (15': 3-5). Down to six players following the temporary sending-off of Jean-Jacques Acquevillo, Nîmes decided to call a time-out to try and stay in the game (17th: 4-7).

Thrilling first half

David Degouy's tactical adjustments took Les Rouge et Bleu by surprise. Less incisive in attack, Paris left a few gaps in defence and Nîmes levelled the score (20': 7-7). Shaken, Raul Gonzalez's men were quick to react. In great form against his former team, Elohim showed no signs of hesitation and restored his side's two-goal lead (23': 8-10).

However, the first half had a;ready seen hte momentum shift a couple of times and Nîmes were far from giving up (26': 10-12). In fact, the home side played their cards right and managed to come back from three goals down to equalise in the dying moments of the first half. Despite another Parisian time-out, the Green Team managed to take the lead right on the buzzer (30': 13-12).  

Wesley Pardin shows no mercy

Far from being discouraged by this last goal before the break, Paris redoubled their intensity upon returning from the locker room. They quickly tied the score thanks to a nice double from Yahia Omar (32': 14-14) but, once again, Nîmes had no intention of sitting back. Les Verts struck three unanswered goals, forcing Raul Gonzalez to call a timeout to stem the tide (36th: 17-14). With their backs against the wall, Les Rouge et Bleu managed to get back on track thanks to Kamil, Luc and David (39': 19-18).

Despite several well-executed moves, the Parisians came up against an imperious Wesley Pardin in the Niimes goal and struggled to close the gap (43': 21-18). With the last quarter of an hour approaching, Raul decided to make several changes in an attempt to turn the match around. Kent Robin Tonnesen, Dani Baijens and Léo Plantin took to the court at the Parnasse - and it was Plantin who made the difference first, keeping his team afloat (47': 22-19).

Les Rouge et Bleu turn it around

The capital club did not let up as the final ten minutes approached - quite the contrary. Taking advantage of an empty Nîmes goal, Andreas Palicka found the back of the net and brought Paris back to within two goals (49': 23-21). Despite another time-out called by David Degouy, it was Les Rouge et Bleu who proved more clinical, with Elo' levelling the score (51': 23-23). With so much at stake for both teams, the final minutes were nail-biting.

Imperious in the closing stages, Elohim and Kamil responded to Guéric Vincent's excellent form to keep the score level (56': 26-26). Showing excellent spirit, the capital club managed to dig deep to make the difference thanks to another double from the unstoppable Kamil (nine goals) and a final penalty from Léo Plantin. After a battle of rare intensity, Paris prevailed at Le Parnasse and took a big step towards the French championship title (60': 28-29).

Reactions from Raul Gonzalez and Wallem Peleka:

Next up for Les Rouge et Bleu

Next Saturday, Raul Gonzalez's men will travel to Montpellier for their final headline clash of the Liqui Moly StarLigue season. A win in this match could see Les Rouge et Bleu crowned French champions.

(Credits: E. Renard/Team Pics/PSG)