Paris needed to respond following Nantes’ handy win over Dijon (42–32). The capital club rose to the challenge, showing great determination to prevent Sélestat from believing they could pull off an upset. Stefan Madsen’s seemingly unstoppable side thus continued their run at the top of the Liqui Moly StarLigue standings, two points clear of their nearest rivals, who could yet pip them to the title.
On the return form the international break, on 27 May, Paris and Nantes will face off in a summit clash at the AccorArena that could well decide the title race. On a run of 12 consecutive victories, Les Rouge et Bleu will arrive brimming with confidence, but their opponents are no slouches either, boasting the same record since the two sides' last meeting back in December (31-31). The support of the capital club's entire fan base will be needed to carry the players to victory!
Sélestat, desperate for points to secure their survival, were the first team to break the deadlock in a rather quiet start to the match. That goal would provide the only occasion on which the Alsatians enjoyed a lead over the reigning French champions. Spurred on by a brace from Ferran Solé, the Parisians were relentless, carving out a handy half-tiem lead after a late surge (30': 10-17).
No fewer than 12 different players found the net on Sunday, spearheaded by in-form right-back Yahia Omar (eight goals, five assists) and playmaker Luc Steins (four goals, nine assists). Solid in defence and quick to capitalise on their opponents’ numerous turnovers, the Parisians extended their lead in the second half, turning in another accomplished league performance (60': 23-34).
The Parisian goalkeepers have certainly been in fine form of late. Following Mikkel Lovkvist’s historic performance against Chartres last weekend (20 saves, a personal best in a Rouge et Bleu jersey), his compatriot Jannick Green stepped up brilliantly to fill his shoes on Sunday. In Sélestat, he made 13 saves, including a superb one from a seven-metre throw that put an end to one of Sélestat’s few bright moments and left them unable to close the gap. In this fierce final sprint, Stefan Madsen can certainly count on his goalkeepers.
Things remain the same at the top, with Paris still two points ahead of Nantes. Should they beat The H at the AccorArena, Les Rouge et Bleu will be crowned champions with two games left to play, having the head-to-head record in their favour. This result, however, does not suit Sélestat, who remain under threat from Istres and Dijon, whilst Dunkerque have virtually secured their place in the top flight for next season. Sélestat face a potential decider against Dijon on 2 June.
