It had been a tough week for Paris Saint-Germain, who were knocked out of the Coupe de France by Montpellier (39-35). Les Rouge et Bleu now have just one objective in mind: to win the league. On the eve of a decisive clash between Nantes and Montpellier, the capital club had to make sure of their place at the top if they were to take a provisional four-point lead, but it was never going to be easy away to Limoges, who were in fourth place and looking to make an impact.
Eager to bounce back from their mid-week disappointment, the Parisians got off to a good start with two successive goals from Sebastian Karlsson to break the deadlock (2': 0-2). However, Limoges fought back, helped by a fine save from former Parisian Gauthier Ivah (10': 4-4). Stefan Madsen's men had to remain vigilant and redouble their efforts to try and break away in a game that had all the makings of a banana skin.
Luc Steins opened his account with a splendid goal, restore the Parisians' two-goal lead (15': 6-8). But Alberto Entrerrios reacted effectively, and his men clawed their way back into the game with a seven-man attack, in what looked more and more like a game of chess (20': 9-9). The first half was a tight affair, but the persistent Rouge et Bleu finally managed to take advantage of their opponents' risky tactics, Simen Lyse scoring twice in the empty net (23': 10-13).
The capital club were able to hunker down when their opponents took the upper hand, and managed to maintain their lead as they headed into the break (30': 14-16). A minute into the second half, the Parisians struck twice in quick succession to extend their lead and make the ideal start. Mikkel Lovkvist, who made his 11th save of the game, was also in top form.
As Limoges gave their all to hit back in front of the Beaublanc faithful, it took some spectacular efforts from our keeper to keep the game under control (41': 20-21). Elohim Prandi put the Parisians back in the game with an exceptional shot, dousing the home side's fire with his fourth goal of the evening (45': 20-23). With a quarter of an hour to go, Stefan Madsen's men remained laser focused.
On a lightning counter-attack, Noah took advantage of some absent defending to give the Parisians a four-goal lead for the first time in the match - at just the right moment (54': 24-28). Lovkvist's 16th save and Ferran Solé's splendid kung-fu snuffed out Limoges' last hopes. The home side had battled hard in front of their fans but were never able to take the lead against Les Rouge et Bleu - and duly conceded defeat (60': 28-32).
It was a very important win for the capital club, who are assured of staying top of the table ahead of the clash between Nantes and Montpellier, which could prove a key factor in a thrilling season run-in.
Ferran Solé: seven goals, Yahia Omar: six, Elohim Prandi: five, Luc Steins: four, Noah Gaudin, Sebastian Karlsson: three, Simen Lyse: two, Gautier Loredon, Mathieu Grébille: one. Mikkel Lovkvist: 16 saves.
Another away trip awaits our players, who will have the opportunity to continue their quest for the title at Cesson-Rennes on 24 April (20:30). They return to Coubertin next month, playing host to Chartres on 3 May (17:00). The Parisians still have six matches to go to claim the title, and closest pursuers Nantes have no intention of giving up.
