It was the final game of the season for our Parisians. At Coubertin, Les Rouge et Bleu were set to celebrate their French league title in style after officially securing it with a 34–31 victory over Nantes on 27 May. But Stefan Madsen’s men also had their sights set on finishing the league campaign unbeaten, by recording a 29th win from 30 matches. To do so, they needed to overcome Tremblay, who were determined to end their own fine season with victory in the capital.
The Parisians were determined to take the game seriously, and it was they who took the lead in an opening period where both teams hit the woodwork on several occasions (5': 3-1). Back from a long-term injury and having scored against Chambéry earlier in the week, Emil Mellegard found the net once again to cement his side’s strong start to the match.
Unfortunately, Tremblay capitalised on a strong spell to draw level with Stefan Madsen’s men, who were up against an inspired Rubens Pierre in goal. More effective in attack, Tremblay managed to turn the match around and even pulled away after fifteen minutes (17': 5-10). Frustrated by a goalkeeper in inspired form (14 saves at a 61% clip), Les Rouge et Bleu went into the break with a deficit to make up in the second half (30': 14-20).
As soon as the second half began, Yahia Omar and Elohim Prandi led the charge, restoring hope to the Parisian crowd (33': 18–22). Returning with great determination, Les Rouge et Bleu laid siege to Tremblay’s goal, and following a sustained spell of pressure, equalised thanks to Emil (38': 23-23). Dominating proceedings, Stefan Madsen’s men eventually regained the lead for the first time since the tenth minute. A completely different match was about to begin.
The Parisians had completely turned the tide and were even extending their lead as the final quarter of an hour began (45': 27-24). Yahia’s thunderous return from the dressing room (seven goals) played an important role in the capital club’s resurgence, as they now controlled the game. With ten minutes remaining, Paris led by four goals, but still had to fight hard to maintain their unbeaten record.
Jannick Green saved a seven-metre throw from Matteo Fadhuile, further cementing Paris’s dominance. Our Egyptian international, meanwhile, continued his scoring spree, netting his tenth of the match - and ninth of the second half. The capital club had been given a scare, but ultimately secured their 29th win in 30 Liqui Moly StarLigue matches (60': 35-31) and stayed unbeaten for the season.
This hard-fought victory provided the perfect finale to Les Rouge et Bleu’s season as they celebrated their French championship title with the Coubertin faithful.
Yahia Omar: ten goals.
Kamil Syprzak: five, Emil Mellegard: four, Luc Steins, Sebastian Karlsson, Ferran Solé: three, Elohim Prandi, Wallem Peleka, Mateo Maras: two, Luka Karabatic: one. Mikkel Lovkvist: nine saves, Jannick Green: six.
