A French XV in the snatch, the CAN for the Ivory Coast, the Blues who walk on the water in biathlon… The sports recap of the weekend

From the first victory of the French rugby players since the World Cup to the Ivorian coronation, including Julia Simon’s perfect weekend, a look back at the sporting news of the weekend.

Still suffering, the XV of France rediscovered the taste of victory against Scotland (20-16), Saturday February 10, during the second day of the Six Nations Tournament. This weekend also dedicated Ivory Coast to the CAN, Sunday, the day after potentially decisive matches in the major European football championships.

Six nations: the XV of France sluggish winner

The reaction of the French men’s rugby team was particularly expected after the heavy setback suffered against Ireland (38-17) at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament. At the end of a still unconvincing performance, the Blues still found the taste of victory by winning with difficulty (20-16) in Scotland on Saturday. It came close to avoiding a third defeat in a row. A long video referee after the siren to judge a potential Scottish try which would then have been synonymous with victory for the Chardon XV. But in the absence of an adequate video angle, referee Nic Berry did not validate the try, thus delivering Fabien Galthié’s men.

Powerless offensively and sometimes too permissive in defense, captain Grégory Aldritt’s teammates were trailing for nearly seventy minutes following the first try of the match signed Ben White (8th) and kicks from Finn Russell. Eleven minutes from time, Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s converted try (70th) allowed the Blues to take the advantage while Gaël Fickou had scored the first French try in the first period (31st). We will still have to show more qualities against Italy on February 25.

Biathlon: a total of six medals for the French team

The week had already started particularly well for the Blues, with a first gold medal in the mixed relay. It continued on even tastier notes, a historic French quadruple in the sprint on Friday, led by Julia Simon. On Sunday, the Frenchwoman did it again: starting at the head of the pursuit alongside her teammates Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Lou Jeanmonnot and Sophie Chauveau, she made the difference on the third shot, the first standing, with a particularly 5/5 fast. She thus retained her title of world champion in the specialty, won last season in Oberhof (Germany). The Frenchwoman finished ahead of the Italian Lisa Vittozzi (+46″3) and her compatriot Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (+49″3), bringing the number of French medals to six at the end of the weekend.

For men, the medals are not blue but Norwegian. A hat-trick first, in the sprint on Saturday, won by Sturla Laegreid ahead of Johannes Boe (+3’5) and Vetle Christiansen (+18’6). Note the fourth place of Eric Perrot (+28’9), while Quentin Fillon-Maillet and Emilien Jacquelin took 8th and 9th places. Even stronger, Norway seized the first five places in Sunday’s pursuit, thus achieving a historic quintuple, of which Johannes Boe emerged victorious.

CAN: unsinkable and crowned Elephants

Everything has been said about this Ivory Coast which came out of nowhere after a cataclysmic first round. On his ability to get back on track thanks to Emerse Faé. In the final, in front of their home crowd and idol Didier Drogba, the Elephants once again showed a resilience that commands respect.

Led by an opportunistic Nigeria who scored through their captain William Troost-Ekong on his first opportunity (38th), the Ivorians did not sink. Not so close to the goal. Franck Kessié, with an angry header (62nd), and the returning Sébastien Haller, with a subtle deviation (81st), made an entire people capsize with happiness and allowed their team to win the 3rd African Cup of its history.

Football: PSG and other European leaders consolidate their lead

Four days before its long-awaited Champions League round of 16 first leg, Paris Saint-Germain successfully completed its dress rehearsal against Lille on Saturday (3-1). Without Kylian Mbappé, left on the bench to avoid any injury, Luis Enrique’s players went on a 16th match without defeat in all competitions. 13 days before the end of the season, they sit in Ligue 1 with an 11-point lead over their new runner-up, Monaco, winner in Nice (2-3).

The leaders of the other major European championships did the same. Two posters were particularly awaited. In Spain, Real Madrid enforced logic against its surprising runner-up, Girona (4-0), with an immense Vinicius Junior. The Madrilenians are five points ahead of their runner-up, but lost Jude Bellingham (author of a double), victim of a sprained ankle. The latter should miss the C1 match against Leipzig on Tuesday.

In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen confirmed that it was a more than credible candidate for victory in the Bundesliga, a title which has always eluded them in 120 years of existence. Xabi Alonso’s players struck a big blow by teaching a lesson to their runner-up but especially to the winner of the last 11 editions of the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich (3-0). Still undefeated this season in all competitions, Bayer Leverkusen is now five points ahead of the Bavarians after 21 days (out of 34). Vice-champions five times, the Leverkusenois have the opportunity to finally take the last step. In the Premier League, Liverpool are still the leader, while Inter are doing really well in Serie A.