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Paris light up Coubertin in Toulouse clash

Comptes-rendus

Solid in defence and effective in attack, Paris Saint-Germain Handball recorded a resounding 36-25 victory over Toulouse at Coubertin. We take a look back on this closing fixture of Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 23.

The matches are coming thick and fast for Les Rouge et Bleu! After qualifying for the Coupe de France final by beating Chambéry 39-27 on Wednesday, Les Parisiens headed straight back to Coubertin today, and this time, it was Le Fénix who were travelling to the capital club's den, with the firm intention of scoring points in the race for Europe. Raul González's men would therefore have to redouble their efforts to avoid the trap set by the south-westerners and maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Luc Steins makes history

Having already beaten Nantes earlier this season, Danijel Andjelkovic's Toulouse were confident in the early stages of this match (4': 2-3). Despite a good start from Yahia, who put two away early, Toulouse managed to get onto the front foot (8': 3-4). However, it didn't take the Parisians long to get into their game. Involved in all the dangerous moves, Luc Steins scored a double that not only allowed Pairs to make the break, but also saw our centre-half hit the milestone of 400 league goals for Les Rouge et Bleu (10': 6-4).

Paris clinical

While Toulouse's tactics had surprised Raul Gonzalez and his men in the opening minutes, the visitors began to struggle to take their chances. But not for no reason - they were up against Andreas Palicka. Solid in his positioning, the Swedish goalkeeper saved two penalties in quick succession to keep Toulouse at bay (16': 10-7).

In a full Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris put on a show in this lively first act. Our Rouge et Bleu grew in strength and the goals rained down, with Luka, Wallem, Kent and Elohim all finding the target (23': 13-10). In turn, the two coaches decided to call time-outs, but the tactical battle was won hands down by Raul, as his men put four unanswered goals past a Toulouse team that was well and trulyon the ropes (29th: 17-11). In total control throughout the first half, Paris went into the dressing rooms seven goals clear (30': 19-12).

Total control

With their backs against the wall after a difficult end to the first half, Toulouse decided to act immediately by attacking with seven players. However, the Parisians also found their own flow, on the counter-attack. Elohim was ruthless, scoring a hat-trick and enabling his team to maintain a good lead (36': 23-15). Le Fénix's tactics were clearly not working as planned and Paris took the opportunity to increase the gap even further thanks to Kamil's fourth of the evening (40th: 26-17).

To make matters worse for Toulouse, Jannick Green was also imperious, saving a penalty as as soon as he came on (44': 27-18). At the end of the match, Dani Baijens, Jacob Holm and David Balaguer came on, and it was the last of the trio who distinguished himself first, notably scoring a splendid goal from Paris's half (48': 30-21).

An exemplary victory

It didn't take Jacob long to emulate his Spanish colleague, our Dane allowing Paris to open up a ten-goal lead in a final ten minutes devoid of suspense, but not of spectacle (52': 32-21). Andreas Palicka continued his splendid performance with a tenth save, his 500th in the top flight.

On an evening when everything went their way, our Rouge et Bleu won with a real show of strength against Toulouse, consolidating their place at the top of the Liqui Moly StarLigue.

Reactions from Raul Gonzalez and Andreas Palicka:

What's next for Les Rouge et Bleu

Paris will be travelling to Brittany on Friday to take on Cesson-Rennes at the Glaz Arena. It promises to be an exciting match between two teams with completely different objectives in this final stretch of the season. This match between the leader and the 15th-placed team in the Liqui Moly StarLigue is scheduled to kick off at 20:00.

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