Nantes provisional leader after his victory against Cesson Rennes
By beating Cesson Rennes (35-26) this Thursday during the Day 20 of Liqui Moly Starligue, Nantes chained a fifth consecutive victory in the Championship. Launched in the race for the title, the players of Grégory Cojean put pressure on Montpellier which plays against Chartres on Friday and Paris which receives Toulouse on Sunday, temporarily taking the lead.
After a tight first 30 minutes (16-14), Nantes made the difference in the next 30, well led by Aymeric Minne (6 goals) and the Spaniard Kauldi Odriozola Yeregui (6 goals).
Beaten by Chambéry and Créteil during the two previous days, Dunkirk recovered with difficulty against their public this Thursday against Selestat Alsace (29-28). His goalkeeper Samir Bellahcene made 11 saves (out of 27 shots, or 40.74% success).
The bottom of the French Championship had however started the game well, taking a lead of four goals (10-6) before being hung up at the break (12-12). In the second half, the trend was reversed. The locals raced in the lead and led 29-24 three minutes from time thanks to a goal from Gabriel Nyembo. But opposite, the Alsatians did not give up and came back, too late, to a small goal thanks to the achievement of Ivan Vida (29-28).
