Grenoble-MHR: “Oh firecracker”, it was hot for the Montpellier supporters, going through all the emotions

Les supporters du MHR en nombre à Grenoble. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Ils étaient environ 2000 supporters à Grenoble pour soutenir leur équipe qui a fini par décrocher le maintien en Top 14.

A huge sigh of relief and many tears. Proof that the MHR came very close to disaster to finally win by the skin of their teeth against the valiant Grenoble players (18-20): “I cry with joy and fear, breathed Fred, a loyal supporter. Thanks to the players, they went for this victory.”

Rather confident before the match, the Montpellier players went through all the emotions for 80 minutes despite the popular support of the Héraultais who came in numbers of around 2000 to the Stade des Alpes.

“Supporter in good times and bad times”

The last time there were so many of them on the road was two years ago for the final of the French championship at the Stade de France. Another setting, different stakes but the MHR supporters responded to the call for this life and death match.

"Supporting Montpellier means being there in the good times but also in the bad times", explained Eric on the road leading to this magnificent Isère setting installed at the ;shadow of the Chartreuse Massif.

Before kick-off, the Les Loustic du Pic fanfare ensured the atmosphere in the aisles of the stadium, the MHR mascot waddled and the beer flowed freely. But, at the bottom of the stand reserved mainly for Montpellier residents, looks were worried.

The consistent start to the match by the Montpellier players, with two tries to the key (3-14, 20th) was enough to reassure them. Except that at half-time, thanks to a turnaround in a boiling stadium inflamed by the 20,000 local spectators, it was all grimace soup on the Montpellier side (18-14). At the break, all doubts were permitted.

On the edge of the precipice

The second period was unbreathable. Everyone imagined a future season in the second division. The MHR and its fans found themselves hand in hand on the edge of the precipice.

With the sun in their eyes, the Montpellier players waved their flags. There were 10 minutes left to play, they didn't give up like their players on the pitch who were engaged in a tough duel against the Grenoble players. Carbonel's penalty 5 minutes from the end gave the MHR the advantage again and gave life to its supporters who stood up as one: “Here, here, it's Montpellier”, they shouted.

Like their team, the Montpellier players suffered for 80 minutes but they did it, all together. They will play in the Top 14 next season. Oh boy, that was hot.

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