Unbeaten since returning from the winter break, the capital club has made a perfect start to 2026. Ahead of the March international break, the Parisians confirmed their current form with a win over Toulouse, who were fifth in the standings and boasted the league’s second-best defence going into the match. The clash started as a battle of the defences, with both sides struggling to score until just before half-time.
Les Rouge et Bleu, however, stepped up a gear at the start of the second half, capitalising on numerous errors from Toulouse whose frequent turnovers proved their undoing. With formidable efficiency, the Parisians quickly sealed the match (39-21), delivering the club’s second-best attacking performance of the league season, just behind the match against Limoges in December (40-25).
Whilst Stefan Madsen’s men shone in attack, they were also able to rely on a vigilant and disciplined defence - most notably Mikkel Lovkvist’s monumental performance between the posts. The Danish goalkeeper was in imperious mood and saved no fewer than 47% of Toulouse's including one seven-metre throw. With 18 saves, he set a new personbal best with the capital club.
It has been a constant theme in 2026: the Rouge et Bleu goalkeepers are in fine form. While Jannick Green has been particularly impressive of late, Mikkel reminded everyone of his talent during this match against Toulouse. With performances like these, the capital club has every reason to aim high in the second half of the season, with plenty to play for across three competitions.
With nine goals to his name, Ferran Solé also turned in a fine performance, finishing as his team’s top scorer. The former Toulouse player clearly relishes facing his old club, against whom he has scored 55 goals in 11 matches, making them his favourite opponents in the league. Full of energy, the Spanish winger breathed new life into the Parisian attack after coming on, and sparked his teammates’ goal-scoring spree just before half-time.
Thanks to Nantes’s victory over Dunkerque (26-22), the scenario at the top remains unchanged at the end of Matchday 20, with the Parisians still holding a narrow two-point lead over their rivals. It was, however, a big setback for Toulouse, who conceded fifth place - which qualifies for Europe - to Saint-Raphaël after their win over Cesson-Rennes (30-28).
