After their impressive victory away to GOG in the Champions League on Wednesday (28-31), the capital club returned to Liqui Moly StarLigue action with the opportunity to make a big statement in Istres. With closest rivals Montpellier losing the derby against Nîmes (29-30), Stefan Madsen's men had an opportunity to pull clear atop the standings - if they could confirm their strong form since the return from the international break by claiming a tenth win from as many matches.
On paper, this match between the competition's top and bottom sides appeared somwhat lopsided, but Istres were coming off a win at Chartres (28-27) - thier first of the season - and were out to upset the Parisians. The home side opened the scoring, but that didn't faze Les Rouge et Bleu, who responded well in the early stages (4': 2-4). Nevertheless, both teams seemed to be finding their feet in the opening minutes, with numerous blocked shots and saves by the goalkeepers.
After the Champions League outing in mid-week, Stefan Madsen opted to roate his squad, and our youngster Wallem Peleka grasped the oportunity with both hands (10': 4-5). But it was Istres goalkeeper Romain Mathias who stole the show in the first half, making eight saves in just fifteen minutes! The Parisians eventually regained their momentum but, thanks to mathis's heroics, Istres remained in contention (22': 9-10).
In a match where the goalkeepers stood out more than the attackers, few goals were scored, but the capital club clearly dominated proceedings and pulled clear a few minutes before half-time (26': 10-15). Romain Mathias and Mikkel Lovkvist stole the show with 13 and 12 saves respectively. At the break, Paris were comfortably in the lead (30': 13-17).
The momentum remained unchanged after the restart, with Istres still struggling to contain their opponents. Mathieu Grébille, who had just come on, scored with one of his first touches to maintain his side's lead (36': 17-22). Imposing their rhythm, Les Rouge et Bleu continued their show of strength and stifled Istres effectively (44': 20-28).
As the match enters the final 10 minutes, the scenario remained unchanged despite multiple substitutions by Stefan Madsen. The Parisians were a cut above and continue to increase their lead (53': 23-33). After tense away games in Toulouse and GOG, the capital club were making ewasier work of it on Sunday, with youngster Stanis Soullier, who came on to replace Mikkel in goal, even making a few saves at the end of the match.
The entire squad got a run, and they acquitted themselves in style, with Abdelrahman Abdou notbaly striking with a superb kung-fu (57': 26-36). After struggling somewhat against an impressive goalkeeper in the first half, the reigning French champions dominatred the second term fo claim a deserved win (60': 29-39). Paris thus secured their 10th victory in 10 league matches and took a three-point lead over Montpellier ahead of next weekend's clash with their arch-rivlas and nearest chasers.
After three away games, Stefan Madsen's men will delight the Coubertin faithful with a series of big home fixtures - starting with a huge Champions League clash against Barcelona on Wednesday 19 November (20:45). The return to league action will also be a tough out, pitting the Parisians as it does against second-placed Montpellier, who recently lost to Nîmes. That clash is set for Saturday 22 November (17:00).
