The long-awaited STARMATCH between Nantes and Paris is off to a flying start. Barely 90 seconds into the game and already 2-2, with Aymeric Minne in full success (2/2). HBC Nantes imposes its rhythm, despite a well-established Parisian defense. Kauldi Odriozola, valuable on his wing, scored two consecutive goals, allowing Nantes to take a first lead (6-4 after 6 minutes). In a white-hot Néodiff XXL, Pesic made two decisive saves, allowing Nantes to be up to four lengths ahead after 10 minutes of play.
Paris is in difficulty, Palicka is replaced by Jannick Green in the cages, but that does not slow down Nantes’ momentum. Luc Steins, nevertheless manages to revive his team, finding Kamil Syprzak twice which brings PSG to two goals (13-15, 22nd).
Temporary exclusion of Palicka for a contentious gesture on Kauldi Odriozola symbolizes the tension of this intense match. Nantes finished the first period in the lead, three lengths ahead (20-17).
Returning from the locker room, PSG showed better intentions. Luc Steins continues to energize the Parisian attacks, and in six minutes, the gap is reduced to a small goal (22-21, 36th). However, Kauldi Odriozola, once again, gives fresh air to the people of Nantes, waking up the purple people. As the 40th minute approaches, Nantes regains a four-goal advantage (26-22). But Paris is not giving up. Taking advantage of a double exclusion from Nantes, Raul Gonzalez’s players returned to the level 15 minutes from time. Greg Cojean, the Nantes coach, reacted by taking a timeout to calm the Parisian enthusiasm. Nantes finds the net again, Rivera and Odriozola give HBC Nantes a two-goal lead (29-27, 50th).
In a stifling end to the match, Julien Bos and Kauldi Odriozola exploited an empty Parisian cage, bringing the gap to four lengths (31-27, 53rd). The Nantes defense repels the Parisian attacks, and Nacho Biosca, imperial in the cages, multiplies the parades. Pushed by the 10,356 furious spectators, Nantes concluded in style. At a press conference, Greg Cojean praised the performance of Julien Bos, who was able to respond in this crucial match, sealing the victory in the final minutes.
Final score: 34-31. Nantes wins this “classic” of French handball and takes the lead in the championship after 14 days.
A result which relaunches the title race and promises a thrilling second half of the season.
Swiss
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