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Winning return to Coubertin

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One week after returning to competition in the EHF Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain Handball resumed their Lidl StarLigue campaign with the visit of Créteil. League leaders after winning all 13 matches of the season so far, the capital club was out to confirm its dominance against their near neighbours, who are flirting with relegation. This return to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin, after a two-month absence, was also an opportunity to once again honour our medallists from the recent World Championship, including Mikkel Hansen, who was voted tournament MVP for his role in Denmark's clinching a second successive world title.

On the court, the match was well and truly a derby. In both defence and attack, the two teases went toe to toe and it was a tight affair in the early stages (6': 4-4). Despite sitting just inside the drop zone, Créteil arrived in Paris with dangerous intentions and took the games to their hosts, but an excellent start from Yann Genty prevented them from taking control of the match (12': 5-5). After turning in a strong performance the first meeting with Créteil this season (21 saves), the Parisian 'keeper proved his credentials in Paris' offensive game, making a strong save and sending Luc Steins to score on a counter-attack.

In spite of this rise in Parisian power, the visitors' rearguard - and Dylan Soyez's numerous exploits - prevented our players from pulling clear (18': 8-6). Indeed, the USC goalkeeper sensationally scored from his own goal area to put the two teams back on equal footing (20': 9-9). Fortunately, his Parisian counterpart was also in form, repelling most of Créteil's shots, and our offensive line took full advantage, with Kamil Syprzak, putting Paris three and then four goals to the good (25': 13-9).

And they were off! Raul Gonzalez's men grew in accuracy as they confronted Soyez, who nevertheless continue to pull off some fine feats (27': 15-10). However, at the break, the home side still had a handy lead.

At the restart, the Parisians resumed their forward march (33': 18-12). In the following minutes, the teams were on equal terms, but our players did what was necessary to avoid any danger (38': 21-15). And they did so in style, Luc scoring with a chabala (40': 22-16) while Nedim Remili opted for a magnificent no-look pass Kamil, who earned a penalty duly converted by specialist Mikkel Hansen (43': 23-18).

But, even though Paris dominated the match, they still hadn't killed the match off as the final 15 minutes approached (44': 23-19). Créteil managed to stay in the game (48': 24-20) but, in spite of several errors in attack attacking, our team could rely on their rock-solid defense, with Nedim Remili on hand to make the interception (49': 24-20) and Yann Genty continuing to make the saves (51': 25-20). After hitting the gas pedal, Les Rouge et Bleu took back a six-goal lead when Mikky struck once again (53': 26-20).

The capital club effectively weathered the storm and held out for a calm - and victorious -end to the match (55': 28-21). Paris thus claimed a fourteenth win from as many Lidl Starligue outings this season, confirming their status as flawless league leaders!

(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)