He was entitled, as expected, to a tribute. With the start of the match, Nikola Karabatic received an Aix jersey with the number 22. It was the one he wore when he played for the Provençal club for a few months in 2013 with his brother Luka. At Barcelona he wore number 33 and he has number 44 at PSG. The boss’ farewell tour had a special flavor on November 19: Aix is, along with Montpellier and Paris, one of the three French clubs in which the triple Olympic champion played.
But after the tribute, there was a match to be won. The day before, Montpellier conceded a draw (35-35) against Saint-Raphaël and PSG had the opportunity to take the lead in the ranking alone with 1 point in advance. On condition, however, of beating Aix, the team of former PSG coach (2012-2015) Philippe Gardent. And it went pretty well. PSG, which was left with an embarrassing defeat in the Champions League in Norway, was reassured.
The shock of the year next Sunday
He dominated the game (18-16 at the break) and did not give the Provençaux the opportunity to believe it, even a little (39-31). PSG, serious, is clearly on top and the match even ended up humming along, without suspense. Elohim Prandi took the opportunity to score his 400th goal in his colors. “It hasn’t been that quiet,” admits David Balaguer at the microphone of BeIN SPORTS. We had a good second half but we must be even more rigorous, be more concentrated defensively. We are starting an important week for us, with a small final on Sunday and the Champions League match on Wednesday. We are still happy with what we achieved”
Above all, PSG succeeded in a hell of an operation in the race for the champion title. For the first time this season, Raul Gonzalez’s team is alone at the top of the standings with 1 point ahead of Montpellier. The day before, the Héraultais lost control and a point against Saint-Raphaël (35-35). With 10 victories in 10 matches, PSG is not weakening.
In the standings, it is also 2 points ahead of Toulouse and three over Nantes. The road is obviously still very long. There are 20 more matches to play and Montpellier has obviously not said its last word. Nantes neither. However, taking the lead in the Starligue alone at that time is a good idea.
In a week (November 26, 7 p.m.) THE shock of the season promises to be the PSG-Montpellier poster which is always decisive. Paris will approach it from a position of strength. In the event of a victory, Paris will take a three-point lead. It will not be enough but will allow Parisians to end the year 2023 peacefully. At least in the championship because his path is a little more complicated in the Champions League. On Wednesday, before Montpellier, the Norwegians from Kolstad will be in Paris and PSG will have revenge to take.
