Paris-Chambéry preview: One step from the final

Avant-match

On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain Handball will take on Chambéry in the Coupe de France semi-finals. It is a crucial match for our Les Rouge et Bleu in this home stretch of the season, as they are looking to win a trophy that has eluded them since 2022. Find out everything you need to know about this unmissable event at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

Challenging paths

For both sides, the Coupe de France journey thus far has not been without its difficulties. For Paris, the adventure began in Pau in September (28-33). In the round of sixteen, the capital club avoided the trap set by Saran, another second division resident (32-36). Although the course had been rather accessible to that point, our Les Rouge et Bleu faced a stiff test in the quarter-finals. Up against two-time defending champions Nantes, Paris dug deep to score a resounding success in a nail-biting penalty shootout (40-39).

For their part, Chambéry got off to a smooth start by easily beating Proligue team Besançon (25-34). In the next round, they had the help of a home crowd to see off Chartres (31-27) and reach the quarter-finals. There, a high-level duel awaited them: a trip to the Stade des Flandres to face Dunkerque. Despite the stakes and the long journey, the Savoyards turned in a perfect performance, dominating the Northerners from start to finish (24-28). Chambéry thus made their return to the last four of the Coupe de France for the first time since 2019, the year in which they won the trophy for the first time in their history against... Dunkerque.

After Chambéry, it's time for Aston Villa: Two matches for the price of one

Wednesday will be an important day for two sections of Paris Saint-Germain: in addition to our handballers, it is the footballers who will be playing almost simultaneously just a stone's throw from Coubertin. Les Rouge et Bleu will be taking on Aston Villa in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. On this occasion, Paris Saint-Germain Handball is offering its supporters the opportunity to experience this match live at Coubertin after the match against Chambéry. This will be an exceptional opportunity to experience the match in the company of Raul Gonzalez's men, who will be on the court to share memorable moments with you. So don't wait any longer to book your tickets and find out all the details for this unforgettable evening at Coubertin.

Opposition strengths

After more than their fair share of injuries this season, Chambéry are only now recovering from a rather chaotic start to the season (four defeats in the first five games). The Savoyards are particularly suffering at left-back. With Nikoloz Kalandadze and Alejandro Costoya absent for many months, Simen Petersen has been promoted to the starting seven, while Ionus Goni has also missed several weeks of competition. Hugo Pimenta, who arrived last summer with the status of the Proligue's best right-back, is still in the rehabilitation phase following a serious knee injury. While young Adam Tomasek is still acclimatising after missing the first two months of competition, it is the experience of Gustavo Rodrigues that should prevail this Wednesday.

Fortunately, Asier Antonio can count on a first-rate newcomer: Valentin Kieffer. The goalkeeper, crowned last summer as the best goalkeeper in the top flight at the Trophées LNH, is enjoying a solid first season in Savoie. In front of him, he can always count on veteran Sebastian Skube, who forms a complementary duo with Lucas Vanegue. In attack, Benjamin Richert will undoubtedly be the main offensive threat. The third Savoyard player to be recognised at the Trophées LNH, the man named best right-winger in last season's Liqui Moly StarLigue is in great form. As for the other attacking positions, Asier Antonio will be spoilt for choice with three pillars of the squad, all crowned during the 2019 Coupe de France campaign. Arthur Anquetil and Queido Traoré form a solid duo on the left flank, while the legendary Pierre Paturel, who is coming to the end of his 17th season at Chambéry, will alternate with Adrien Vergely in the centre.

Key stats

  • Paris and Chambéry are preparing to face each other in the Coupe de France for the sixth time in their history. So far, the capital club has dominated the fixture with five victories in as many confrontations.
  • In 2014, Les Rouge et Bleu won the final against the Savoyards (31-27), thus winning the second Coupe de France in their history.
  • In their only confrontation this season so far, Paris won at the Phare de Chambéry in an exciting match full of goals (31-37).

Semi-final fixtures

Our Les Rouge et Bleu will find out who they will be playing in the final this evening, as the other semi-final takes place on Tuesday at19:30. In its Palais des Sports de Beaublanc, Limoges will attempt to write a new page in its history and extend its dream season by pulling off a feat against Montpellier. The task promises to be difficult against MHB, who have won all twelve meetings between the two teams and are in superb form. Both matches will be broadcast exclusively on HandballTV, while you can also follow our Les Rouge et Bleu team through our live-tweet.

(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)