Preview: 5 things about Kiel - Paris (23-24)

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On Thursday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball travel to Kiel for a crunch clash in their European campaign. We take a closer look at this EHF Champions League Matchday 9 clash.

1 - THE TABLE

After a good start to their European campaign, the capital club have gone three games without a win. There's no need to panic though, as only two points separate leaders Kiel and Szeged in sixth, which ranking assures a place in the next round. The Parisians, currently in fifth, have everything to play for when they travel to Kiel and then Aalborg before the international break for EHF Euro 2024.

For their part, Kiel remain in the lead despite two consecutive games without a win. Like Les Rouge et Bleu against Kolstad, the Germans failed to win their double-header against Aalborg. Defeated at home, the Zebras were held to a last-gasp draw in Denmark in an incredible game. Leading 21-27 going into money time, Filip Jicha's men collapsed completely, shipping a crushing six unanswered goals to lose their lead and concede a draw (27-27).

2 - KIEL, AN ATTACK ON THE RISE

The Germans may have suffered back-to-back disappointments in the Champions League, but their attacking line is still a force to be reckoned with. After a lacklustre start to the league season, the Zebras have made up some of the ground lost by coming within five points of leaders Magdeburg and inflicting a first defeat of the season on Füchse Berlin (30-26).

Domagoj Duvnjak, who scored nine goals against the Berliners and seven at Stuttgart last weekend (31-36), could be one of the main threats to Raul Gonzalez's men this Thursday. Then there is the inevitable Niclas Ekberg (57 league goals and 44 EHF Champions League goals this season) and young Eric Johansson (54 Liqui Moly Bundesliga goals and 21 European goals). The Parisians have been warned: after the debacle they suffered at home to Aalborg (18 goals scored), the Germans now seem more adept than ever in front of goal.

3 - THE OTHER MATCHES

Among the other fixtures in Group A, fourth-placed Kolstad will be looking to continue their good run of form when they travel to Denmark. The Norwegians take on Kiel's runners-up Aalborg in what promises to be an exciting clash, with just one point separating the two sides. In a match that could already prove decisive, Zagreb host Szeged. In seventh place, three points behind the Hungarians, the Croatians have little room for error if they are to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the next round. Finally, still stuck on 0 points this season, Pelister face a perilous trip to Hala Legionow to take on Kielce, who have gone unbeaten in their last four matches. Currently in third place, the Poles could take top spot in the group if they win and other results go their way.

4 - HEAD TO HEAD

A true EHF Champions League classic, Paris-Kiel has been played 17 times since 2014. Opponents in the quarter-finals of the last three editions of the competition, Les Rouge et Bleu have emerged victorious on two occasions. This slight advantage reflects the capital club's overall record against their German counterparts, with eight wins to seven defeats and two draws. In the first match at Coubertin this season, the Parisians fell apart in the second half, leaving the Zebras to claim a prestigious victory (28-34) and consolidate their position at the top of Group A.

5 - TO FOLLOW THE MATCH

Throw-off: 18:45
Television: Eurosport
Social networks: Live-tweet

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