Preview: 5 things about Cesson - Paris

News

On Thursday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball take part in Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 24, travelling to Brittany to take on Cesson-Rennes.

1 - THE TABLE

After a thunderous start to the season, Cesson-Rennes seem to have fallen into the doldrums since the end of 2022. The Bretons have yet to win in their home arena in 2023, with defeats against Sélestat (28-29), Toulouse (28-31) and Nantes (26-35). They are currently in seventh place.

The capital club, on the other hand, clinched an important win last weekend. While they won the derby against Ivry (35-25), Nantes beat league leaders Montpellier (29-28). Paris are now level on points with Montpellier, but remain behind for the time being due to a lower head-to-head goal difference (-1), before the return match at the end of April. 

2 - KEY STATS 

We are going to see an opposition of styles. Boasting the best defence in the league, Cesson-Rennes (633 goals conceded) play host to the division's most prolific attack (Paris, with 826 units). The duel should therefore be very interesting to follow in front of the Cesson goal.

In terms of individuals, Cesson 'keeper Arnaud Tabarand has played a big role in their strong defensive record, racking up the second-most saves for any 'keeper in the division (217). Andreas Palicka is not far behind with 200 saves, while in attack, Elohim Prandi (128 goals) and Kamil Syprzak (123) are among the top ten on the Liqui Moly StarLigue scorers chart. 

3 - A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST MATCH

In December, the CRMHB travelled to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin for their Round 13 clash. The game was poised for a long time (39': 21-21), but Raul Gonzalez's men started to gain momentum in the last 20 minutes and ran out winners (36-32). Elo' was particularly successful, with 11 goals. 

4 - HEAD TO HEAD

This clash between Cesson-Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain Handball will be the 24th time the sides have met. Les Rouge et Bleu have so far won 19 times, drawn one and lost three. Historically, our team has celebrated great things on the Breton floor, with a title of French Champion and a record of consecutive victories in the last two seasons (23 successes to start the season).

5 - TO FOLLOW THE MATCH

Throw-off: 20:00
Television: beIN SPORTS
Social networks: Live-tweet

(Credits: L. Valroff/Team Pics/PSG)