Two Rouge et Bleus in the spotlight after Montpellier Round 9 Liqui Moly StarLigue 2024-2025

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Having brilliantly beaten Montpellier (29-23) at the Stade de Coubertin on Sunday, the capital club extended their lead over one of their biggest rivals. Their performance was rewarded by the inclusion of Elohim Prandi and Luka Karabatic in this week's Best 7.

Elohim still imperious

On Sunday, the capital club faced Montpellier at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. the fixture is a real French league classic, and over the seasons it has regularly come down to details and individual exploits by our Rouge et Bleus. Sunday's duel did not break with tradition. Despite the change of era this summer following the departure of coach Patrice Cannayer, Montpellier showed that it needed no transition period under new boss Erick Mathé. The side from the Hérault region were enterprising and never shied away from anything, and even managed to go into the locker room in the lead (15-16). Raul Gonzalez had to re-mobilise his men at the break, and while the whole team shone in the second half, the way was often shown by Elohim Prandi. While Charles Bolzinger managed to stop several penalties, it was from distance that Paris made the difference. Elo' is an expert in this area, and once again proved it - much to the delight of Coubertin - by finding the net ten times. It was a top-class performance that saw him pass the historic milestone of 900 career league goals and further etch his name in the history of French handball. Once again imperious, Elohim was a logical choice to be named in the Liqui Moly StarLigue Best 7 for Matchday 9.

First award for Luka Karabatic

In a match in which the Parisians only allowed Montpellier to score eight times in the second half, it was hardly surprising that Raul Gonzalez's men were singled out for their defensive prowess. And it was Luka Karabatic who earned his first inclusion in a Best 7 this season - a richly deserved accolade for our pivot, who was solid defensively and lead his side to an all-important win. The scorer of six blocks and one interceptipon, Lucho showed the way for his team-mates by perfectly playing the role of captain and spearheading a host of attacks.

(Credits: A. Meunier/L.Valroff/PSG)