The double for Paris!

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On Saturday night, Paris Saint-Germain Handball contested the Coupe de France final at the Accor Hotel Arena. Up against Nantes, Les Rouge et Bleu were hoping to win a sixth Coupe de France to finish the season with a league and cup double.  For their last match, it was a gala affair! They faced their Liqui Moly StarLigue runners-up Nantes, who had given them a run for their money in their two league matches (Parisians won 30-29 and 34-28).  

The Parisians were the first to find the opening in this match thanks to Ferran, from his right wing. With a few misses on both sides, the two teams were sizing each other up at the beginning of the match (6': 2-1). But the observation round was soon over. Paris clicked into gear and found success fro wide positions thanks to wingers Ferran and Adama. Kamil, from the penalty line, also made his mark to give Paris the lead (11': 4-5). This saw Luc start to get ideas, taking advantage of a good interception from the Parisian defence to race to the other end of the court and deftly put his team two goals to the good (17': 7-9).

With only seven minutes left to play in this first half, Paris were still in the lead. After Kamil, it was Henrik who lined up as pivot - with similar success! Elohim also did his part with his ballistic efforts from nine metres (23': 11-15). Raul called a time-out with 15 seconds left in the first half, looking to set up a final play for the half. The plan proved perfect, with Kamil concluding from six metres and giving Paris a five-goal lead (30': 13-18).

Nantes looked to start the second half on the front foot, and they found plenty of success as Paris struggled somewhat to find their rhythm (34': 17-19). But the capital club defended well and forced the fouls from Nantes. Luc took full advantage of the situation and punished The H (40': 21-25). Les Rouge et Bleu were back on track as the last quarter of an hour rolled around, our players finding each other well while Vincent distinguished himself with a point-blank save. Paris then went five goals to the good (45': 24-29).

The Parisians then opted for a change of system, opting for a 5-1 defence - with Benoit in a forward position - that disrupted Nantes' game. The shot clock was at zero - they had to shoot - but Vincent deployed his leg perfectly to block the shot. Backing up the team, make no mistake, it was Elohim who did the job (50': 25-32). With all his usual finesse, he sent a cannonball into the top corner and Paris really broke clear (55': 27-35). Then it was all over at the Accor Hotel Arena! Paris won a sixth Coupe de France (31-36) to complete the 2021-22 league and cup double! Bravo Paris ! 

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)