Paris take top spot in style!

Match reports

On Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were in a top-of-the-table clash at home to arch-rivals Montpellier for Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 25. At stake: top spot on the table, provisionally stolen by Nantes, who beat Chambéry on Friday. Victory would see the winner take sole control of the standings - an instant classic at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin, which was sold out for the eighth time in a row. 

In a crazy atmosphere, Les Rouge et Bleu made a great start and took the lead (5': 4-3). Their great strength in these first moments lay in their ability to defend tightly. Montpellier's shots were often delayed and therefore forced. At the other end of the court, our offensive line were right on target and made the break (12': 9-6). The MHB back-guard was often lured into fouls and Petar Nenadic took charge of doling out the punishment form the 7m line (15': 11-7). 

After an almost perfect beginning to the game, the capital club managed to maintain the pressure and go further in front (19': 12-7). Solid in every sector, Raul Gonzalez had taken control of this high-stakes clash (26': 17-11). With planned attacks or quick ball rebounds, their efficiency was maximal. Our captain, Luka Karabatic, took advantage of this good start to score the 700th goal of his league career (28': 18-12). After a magnificent first half, Paris were in a dominant position.

The show continued right from the restart, with Andreas Palicka saving a penalty (33': 20-14). But it is really the work of the whole Parisian defence that should be underlined. Montpellier's forwards still couldn't find a solution and our rear-guard short-circuited several of their offensives (39': 24-15). It was in this context that the capital club, driven by a very inspired Petar, went to +10 (42': 26-16). With less than 15 minutes left to play, our team seemed to be in a very favourable position (46': 28-17).

Despite of this handsome lead, Les Rouge et Bleu refused to let up (50': 32-20) and the shape of the success started to emerge (54': 34-20). A few moments later, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were declared winners in this decisive game (38-23) and went clear atop the Liqui Moly StarLigue standings. They are now one point ahead of The H and two ahead of Montpellier (plus a better goal difference of +13). Now it's time for an international break before the final stretch of the season kicks in. 

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, LUKA KARABATIC AND PETAR NENADIC:

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)