Co-leader of the championship with Grenoble, Cavigal Nice Handball faces the Isère club on Saturday for the most important match of its season. Having been announced as candidates for the 1st place, in the event of a victory, the team from Nice would take a serious step towards promotion to Pro D2.
In every athlete’s life, there are moments of truth. The kind of encounters where the result can tip everything one way or the other. It is such a moment that the handball players of Cavigal are preparing to experience.
Having almost a perfect season (11 wins – 2 draws – 1 loss), they are facing tonight at Pasteur the only team still capable of denying them this coveted 1st place, synonymous with promotion to the next level.
Grenoble is the surprise team of this championship. A group not expected at this level but that has gained confidence throughout the season. By winning the first leg (29-25), the team from Isère started to believe in their chances, and they arrive in Nice today ambitious and confident in their strengths.
But, facing them is a vengeful Nice team, now complete, unlike in the first leg. (Note: Nice had 3 starters injured)
Aware that their fate is in their own hands, both teams are expected to engage in an epic duel, from which the loser may not recover.
Indeed, falling 2 points behind at this point in the season could prove fatal, as both teams dominate the championship. It’s hard to imagine the winner of this clash dropping points later on. Woe to the vanquished, then…
In the event of a victory, preferably with a 5-goal margin or more (note: to recover the specific goal average), Cavigal would make a big step towards a promotion to Pro D2 that has eluded them for several years.
A large public turnout is expected this evening at the Pasteur Gymnasium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM.
