(a) the Western Mediterranean region 35 Ma ago, after Romagny et al. (2020); (b) and (c) the analogue models at the beginning of experiment. Plates geometry is similar in (b) and (c) and reproduce the Oligocene situation. Silicone plates modelling the Adria/Africa plates are deposited above glucose syrup modelling the upper mantle. Continents (yellow and orange colors) are modelled using buoyant silicone and oceanic lithosphere (blue color) is modelled using silicone whose density is larger than that of the glucose syrup. The glucose syrup is not covered by any silicone sheet in the white-colored areas and passive floating plastic beads show its surface deformations. (b) configuration with northward motion of Africa in case the piston moves (Models 5, 7 and 8, see Tab. 2). (c) configuration facilitates the side view of the slab, and results in NE motion of Africa if the piston advances (Models 6 and 9).