The run continues!

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On Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain Handball returned to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin after a three-week absence, playing host to third-placed Aix in their Round 22 Liqui Moly StarLigue clash. PAUC had the advantage of a strong record on the road and had only lost once away from home (for ten wins) heading into the match. A promising match on paper!

In this top-of-the-table clash, the two goalkeepers - Yann Genty and Wesley Pardin - stood out the most at the beginning of the game. But, in spite of some failures, the Parisian attack settled first and made the difference (6': 4-1). To get the better of the league's second-tightest defence (581 goals conceded before the game), Les Rouge et Bleu (best attack with 770 goals) showed a ruthless streak, scoring in particular on fast moves and counter-attacks (11': 8-5). They took a lead that could have been even more considerable had the Aix 'keeper not been in such good form (15': 10-6).

His Parisian counterpart also succeeded in making a very good start, and prevented the visitors from coming back into the game on several occasions. Both teams lacked a little bit of composure in front of goal and the score stayed relatively still (19': 11-8), but at the end of the first period, Raul Gonzalez's men stepped on the gas once more. Thanks to a thing of saves from our goalkeeper, our attack found a foothold and widened the lead (26': 15-11). At half-time, they were still ahead.

After the break, Yann and Wesley Pardin were still on fire (33': 19-15). To find the back of the net, it took a magnificent reverse spin-shot from Mathieu Grébille (36': 20-16) and a long shot from Nikola Karabatic (38': 22-17). Then, Les Rouge et Bleu took it to the next level, both defensively and offensively, and increased their lead with each possession (42': 26-19). The counter-attacks piled up and, at the beginning of the last quarter, our team went nine goals to the good when a fit-again Elohim Prandi did what he does best (46': 31-22).

Once again, thanks to several saves, Pardin prevented the game from being killed off (51': 32-25). But it was only a matter of minutes and Dainis Kristopans, perfectly served by Elo, scored a nice kung-fu that put his team a very favourable position (53': 34-25). Paris Saint-Germain Handball remained focused until the buzzer and won! They continued their perfect record in the Liqui Moly StarLigue with 22 victories from as many games (equalling their own record!). A good omen before the second leg of the EHF Champions League round of 16 against Elverum at Coubertin on Thursday.

RAUL GONZALEZ, FERRAN SOLE SALA AND BENOÎT KOUNKOUD'S REACTIONS:

(Credits: L. Valroff/TeamPics/PSG)