The Parisians kick off 2024 by qualifying for the Coupe de France semis

Comptes-rendus

In their first official match of 2024, the capital club beat Nîmes 30-22 to book their place in the Coupe de France semi-finals.

On Sunday, Les Rouge et Bleu returned to official competition when they took on Nîmes in the Coupe de France quarter-finals at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. It was an all-important encounter for the Parisians, who were keen to start the year as they had ended 2023, when they beat the same opponents 24-34 at Le Parnasse in December.

But before throw-off, the Club was keen to congratulate all its medallists from the last European Championships: Andreas Palicka (third with Sweden), as well as Luka Karabatic, Nikola Karabatic and Elohim Prandi, who won gold with France.

From the outset, the Parisians showed their seriousness and duly opened up a two-goal lead (2': 2-0). Raul Gonzalez's men got off to a solid start, with David Balaguer and Jacob Holm both scoring twice (6': 6-2). Impeccable in attack, our players could also count on an imperious Jannick Green, who had already made four saves in the first quarter of an hour, at the back (13': 9-6).

Elohim came on a few moments earlier and took advantage of a superb assist from Nikola Karabatic to help his side pull even further ahead (24': 17-11). Although Nîmes were making the most of their chances, the capital club could count on the unwavering support of a boisterous Stade Pierre de Coubertin, who urged their players as the break loomed (29': 19-12). After a solid first half, Paris returned to the locker room with a comfortable lead (30': 21-12).

In fine form in the first half, Kent Robin Tonnesen opened the second period with a brace, taking his tally to six goals from as many attempts (36': 23-14). Les Rouge et Bleu were in total control of their game and already looked to have one foot in the semi-finals as the final 15 minutes approached (44': 26-17). Despite their sizeable lead, Paris kept up the pace and Wallem Peleka took their lead past the ten-goal mark, forcing Nîmes to call a time-out (49': 28-18).

But it had little effect, with Jannick Green's 13 saves making all the difference; the Danish keeper allowed Les Rouge et Bleu to hold on to a decisive lead in the final ten minutes (54': 29-21). At the end of a match in which they had enjoyed the upper hand from the first to the last minute, Paris duly ran out winners (60': 30-22). Raul Gonzalez's men thus joined Montpellier, Nantes and Toulouse in the Coupe de France semi-finals (the draw will take place on Friday). Next up for the capital club is a return to Liqui Moly StarLigue action on Friday, when they take on Chartres at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Get your tickets now to cheer on Les Rouge et Bleu!

REACTIONS FROM RAUL GONZALEZ, LUC STEINS AND FERRAN SOLE SALA:

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)