Preview: 5 things about Paris - Dinamo Bucharest

Avant-match

On Thursday, Raul Gonzalez's men play host to Dinamo Bucharest on EHF Champions League Matchday 5. Find out all you need to know about this first European clash of the season at Coubertin.

1 - Form

More than ever, Les Rouge et Bleu seem to be on a roll, showing no mercy to their opponents' defences. The capital club are on a six-game win streak in all competitions and have shown themselves to be particularly adept in front of goal in recent weeks. Their growing confidence is increasingly evident in the accuracy of their attacks and their willingness to take risks, and this is reflected in the high scores racked up by Raul Gonzalez's men of late against Tremblay (32-40), Ivry (39-25), Fredericia (38-30) and Créteil (31-45).

Defeated last week in Veszprém (36-24), Dinamo Bucharest saw a fine run of 12 consecutive wins in all competitions come to an end. Prior to this setback, the Romanians had been flawless not only in the league but also on the continental stage, with wins over Fredericia (37-28), Plock (26-28) and Pelister (34-25). Having beaten Steaua Bucharest in the derby at the weekend (35-32), David Davis's men will now be determined to get back on track on the European stage.

2 - A festive evening at Coubertin

A major Champions League fixture means an evening of celebration in the Parisians' arena. For the first European clash of the season at Coubertin, the capital club has pulled out all the stops, putting on a show both on and off the court at L'After de Coub. As well as watching a crucial match in the group stage, you'll be able to enjoy a full menu with a cheeseburger and a drink included in your ticket. The evening will not stop after the match, however, with a DJ set going until an hour after the final whistle, an interview with a Parisian player, light shows and goodies to celebrate, we hope, another victory for Raul Gonzalez's men. An exceptional evening that promises to be festive and in a warm atmosphere, not to be missed under any circumstances.

3 - HEAD TO HEAD

Paris have met Bucharest four times in their history. In the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, Raul Gonzalez's men took the game very seriously, racking up four wins, all of them with style points. Elohim Prandi, who scored nine goals in Bucharest (29-36) and six in the match at Coubertin (33-26) in the 2022-2023 group stage, will be particularly happy to be facing the Romanians. Last season, it was Mikkel Hansen who provided the entertainment for the in this clash between the Parisians and the Romanians, leading Les Rouge et Bleu to big results in both the first leg (41-30) and the back (31-39).

4 - Group A fixtures

This fifth round of matches brings us a number of fixtures that are as interesting as they are evenly matched. Sporting CP were surprisingly beaten by Pelister last week and are now preparing to play host to Berlin. The Germans are growing in strength as the weeks go by, and promise to put up an intense fight in Lisbon. Meanwhile, Wisla Plock play host to Pelister in a match that is already crucial, as the Poles are still locked on zero points after four rounds. The only other side in search of a first point is Fredericia, who travel to Veszprém. It's another tricky trip for the Danes, who are preparing to take on a side in fine form after their recent Club World Cup triumph.

5 - To follow the match

Throw-off: 20:45

Television: Eurosport

Social networks: live-tweet

(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)