Liqui Moly Starligue’s two matches on Saturday night ended in a draw.
Nîmes can blow. USAM did not leave empty-handed from its trip to Creteil, but well with the point of the draw (36:36). But Franck Maurice’s men were hot, very hot. Led by five goals in the first period, the Nîmes got back together at the start of the second act, taking advantage of the loss of Cristolian ball. To better be left behind again a few moments later, while Valentin Aman threaded the goals like pearls. Jean-Jacques Acquevillo saw red after vehemently contesting a referee’s decision and, one minute ten from the end, we thought Créteil was already the winner after Samuel Deen’s +3 goal. But no. Fernando Barbeito’s players lost the pedals and two balls, Mohammad Sanad (12 goals in the end) planted a counter-attack and a penalty at the last second to send everyone back to back. The Nîmes, not unhappy, the Critolians, much more frustrated.
Fewer goals, but as much suspense to Toulouse, or Limoges came for the draw (27:27). Rastko Stefanovic’s men led the score for a long time, taking up to five lengths in the first period, while Yassine Idrisse made some important saves. Toulouse stuck well after the break but eight minutes from the end, the Limougeauds still had three lengths ahead. Before tangling the brushes, losing the balls and letting Nemanja Ilic give the Fenix the advantage three minutes from time. It is finally Yassine Idrissi, again him, who was going to save his family, taking out Gonçalo Martins’ shot on the gong, five seconds after the equalizer of Yoav Lumbroso.
In the standings, Limoges and Toulouse are still neck and neck with eight points in tenth place, while Créteil is thirteenth with seven points. Nîmes, for its part, remains fourth, let Nantes and Aix slip away a little more. H and PAUC are now three points ahead of USAM.
Kevin Domas
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