Paris secured the French league title in a hard-fought battle with Nantes at a packed AccorArena last week (34-31). But Les Rouge et Bleu weren't about to start resting on their laurels; they want to end the season on a high note and maintaint their unbeaten league form in the two remaining matches of the season. They headed to Chambéry on Tuesday to face a side ready to fight the capital club tooth and nail in their bid of a European place.
Elohim Prandi opened the scoring for Paris, and his second goal moments later put his side ahead for the first time in the match (3': 1-2). The match started at a fairly leisurely pace, with Les Rouge et Bleu gradually getting the better of their opponents. Following a fine pass from Prandi, Emil Mellegard finally scored his first goal in a Parisian shirt, having unfortunately been sidelined with injury since the start of the season (10': 3-4).
The capital club managed their two-goal lead in the first half and, as the pace of the game picked up, took the opportunity to extend their lead further (18': 7-11). Very well organised defensively, Stefan Madsen’s players repelled the Chambéry attacks effectively and exploited the spaces to launch lightning-fast counter-attacks. With six goals, Elo' was causing Chambéry's defence problems, whilst Jannick Green had already made six saves.
With several dangerous turnovers, Aster Antonio’s men handed the Parisians some fine opportunities, and the visitors were quick to capitalise (23' minute: 8–14). Playing with great skill, they continued to lead comfortably as the minutes ticked by, tightening their grip on the game with every passing moment. At half-time, the Champions of France were living up to their reputation, leading comfortably in Savoy (30': 12-18).
They needed to show the same determination in the second half, and Yahia Omar led the way with a precise shot soon after the re-start (34': 14-19). Led by a superb Valentin Kieffer in goal, it was Chambéry who made the stronger start to the second half, however, and Paris had to put out the fire before it spread. Jannick Green rose to the challenge, saving a seven-metre throw from penalty specialist Elio Zammit.
With a lightning-fast break, Noah Gaudin then restored a four-goal lead for the Parisians (39': 17–21). Effective at both ends of the court, Les Rouge et Bleu managed to quell the Savoyards’ enthusiasm; the visitors were closing the gap but were still chasing the gme as the final quarter of an hour began (45': 21-24). Having only just come on to replace the excellent Jannick, Mikkel Lovkvist immediately made a decisive impact with a superb save.
In the electric atmosphere at Le Phare, the capital club began to lose ground, and Chambéry eventually drew level, capitalising on their excellent momentum and a numerical advantage (52': 26-26). In a fiercely contested final phase, Paris held on and, through sheer grit, snatched victory on Savoyard soil, despite a strong second-half comeback by Antonio’s men. The French champions remain unbeaten!
Elohim Prandi: 8 goals, Luc Steins: 5, Kamil Syprzak, Emil Mellegard: 3, Yahia Omar, Ferran Solé, Mateo Maras, Noah Gaudin: 2, Wallem Peleka, Simen Lyse: 1. Jannick Green: 9 saves, Mikkel Lovkvist: 3.
Paris have just one match left to play this season, and it will be a great opportunity to celebrate at Coubertin. The match against Tremblay, scheduled for 20:30 on Saturday 6 June, will be followed by the traditional presentation of the Liqui Moly StarLigue trophy. A great atmosphere is expected in the capital for this wonderful moment of celebration!
