Just a few days after Luis Enrique's men tasted glory in the Champions League final, Raul Gonzalez's men had the chance to write a new page in their history as they took on Istres. On the penultimate matchdayday of the Liqui Moly StarLigue season, Les Rouge et Bleu needed to fight one last battle to secure the title of French champions. A point may have been enough, but it is not in the nature of the club to rest on its laurels, and the capital club would be doing everything in its power to put on a show in front of its home crowd and be crowned champions with honours. To do so, however, they would have to be serious against an unpredictable side who caused the Parisians a great deal of trouble in the reverse fixture, and who were hoping to go all the way in their bid to ensure their top-flight survival.
Determined to do everything in their power to thwart the capital club's plans, Istres took advantage of a certain lack of attacking efficiency in the Parisian ranks to quickly take the lead (6': 1-4). Despite Andreas Palicka's improved performance, marked by his first penalty save, Paris were still behind (10': 4-7). However, Raul Gonzalez's men began to find their cutting edge, and the goals started to come. Elohim, Kamil and Yahia all found the back of the net to level the score (14: 9-9).
Les Rouge et Bleu were not lacking in good intentions, but they were up against a clinical Istres side in the first half. Alternating between counter-attacks, patient play and, occasionally, a touch of good fortune, Gilles Derot's side stayed on course (21': 12-14). Not that the capital club were discouraged, however, as they redoubled their efforts to close the gap before the break. And it was Dani Baijens who did just that, scoring his fourth goal of the evening (26': 16-16).
With their relentless fighting spirit, Paris finally seemed to be in a position to quell the southerners' enthusiasm. As is often the case, Raul's tactical adjustments soon had an effect. Jannick Green, who had just come on as a substitute, made three saves in quick succession to help his side regain their confidence and take the lead (28': 18-16). At the end of a thrilling first half, Paris went into the locker room with a two-goal lead against a valiant Istres side, Elo' having scored on the buzzer (30': 19-17).
As soon as the match resumed, Paris resumed their assault. Noa Narcisse, who had already scored in the first half, followed up with a lightning counter-attack from Dani Baijens (32': 20-17). Dani then rediscovered his scoring instincts with his sixth of the evening to extend the lead at the start of a one-way second half (35': 22-18). Even a man down, the capital club kept up the pace and could count on Jannick's iron fist to repel the visitors' onslaught (40': 27-21).
Despite their lack of cutting edge since the return, Istres were far from giving up; they redoubled their intensity to break through the compact Parisian defence. Although they managed to regain a little confidence, Gilles Derot's side were still behind going into the final quarter of an hour (44': 29-25).
The second half was more or less a case of one step forward, three steps back for the Violets. Istres came back well and forced Raul Gonzalez to take a time-out, but Dani Baijens was merciless this time, firing a superb shot into the top corner (48': 30-25).
As the final ten minutes approached, the crowd grew louder and louder, cheering Les Rouge et Bleu on to seal the win. David and Wallem, who had just come on, quickly joined in the celebrations (53': 34-27). Even though Paris were well in front, Kamil was not about to slow down, and he scored twice to take his tally to nine goals for the evening. Coubertin was on its feet, singing in unison and celebrating its champions, who won in style (39-31). Unstoppable, the capital club clinched their 12th French league title.
Having just been crowned champions, Raul Gonzalez's men will see their fans again on Saturday evening, when they take on Chambéry in the final match of the Liqui Moly StarLigue season. It's a game with nothing at stake, but it will be an opportunity to get together one last time to celebrate this new title, thank our players and pay tribute to those who will be leaving to pursue new adventures this summer. An evening at Coubertin not to be missed!
(Credits: E. Renard/Team Pics/PSG)