A few days after securing their place in the Champions League main round with a third European victory of the season in Celje (30-41), our Rouge et Bleu resumed their league campaign with a trip to Normandy to take on Caen on Saturday. Whilst this wasn’t the first time the two teams had met, this fixture was a first in the history of the French league. Promoted to the StarLigue for the first time in club history, the Vikings have made a strong start to their campaign, with three wins from six matchdays. Tonight, once again, they enjoyed unwavering support in their fortress, the Palais des Sports Caen la Mer, with the aim of unsettling our Parisians!
Right from the start of the match, our Parisian side showed an impeccable attitude, as they have so often this season. Capitalising on several turnovers by the opposition, the capital club quickly managed to build an early lead (5': 1-4). While the Vikings lacked somewhat in commitment and intensity, it is also worth highlighting Mikkel Lovkvist’s excellent start to the match, the Dane having already made six saves as the first quarter of an hour drew to a close (12': 3-8). The entire Parisian squad – even the defensive players, such as Frederik Ladefoged (two goals), Luka Karabatic (two goals) and Karl Konan (one goal) – pitched in to extend the lead.
Our pivots took advantage of the gaps left in the opposition defence to make the difference (20': 8-12). Weakened by the absences of Adam Gnago and their captain Jordan Allais, Caen fought hard with what they had, but also struggled in their defensive transitions. The capital club took advantage to launch quick attacks, with Sebastian Karlsson boosting his stats in one-on-one situations. Having scored five goals by half-time, the Swedish international ensured his side went into the break with a comfortable lead (30': 12-18).
Rested in the first half, Kamil Syprzak wasted no time in making his mark in the second. Set up brilliantly by Elohim Prandi, who was particularly unselfish this evening (six assists), the Polish international scored his first two goals as Paris edged closer to a ten-goal lead (35': 15-24). Whilst Stefan Madsen made several substitutions, Mikkel Lovkvist retained his place in goal - a chance to continue his stellar performance. With just under a quarter of an hour to go, he had already saved 13 attempts from the Normandy side (43': 19-27).
As was the case in the double-header against Celje, the capital club extebded their lead past the ten-goal mark against a Caen side in serious trouble. Soon, everyone was joining in the fun, including Simen Lyse, who bagged three goals in the space of a few minutes (50': 22-33). Despite their recent exertions and busy schedule, the Parisians did not let up in the closing stages. As proof: every outfield player found the net this evening, enabling Paris to secure their biggest victory of the season across all competitions (60': 28-42).
Sebastian Karlsson, Mateo Maras: Six goals; Simen Lyse, Yahia Omar: five; Luka Karabatic: four; Emil Mellegard: three; Luc Steins, Kamil Syprzak, Frederik Ladefoged, Wallem Peleka, Noah Gaudin, Elohim Prandi: two; Karl Konan: one. Mikkel Lovkvist: 17 saves.
Unstoppable tonight with six goals from eight attempts, Sebastian Karlsson equalled his highest-ever goal tally in a league match for Paris!
As of Wednesday, Stefan Madsen’s men will embark on their third consecutive away fixture across all competitions. Following the league fixtures, the Champions League will resume. For this match, the capital club will travel to Zagreb with the aim of maintaining their winning run before playing host to Aalborg on the final matchday in what will be a decider for top spot in the group.
