Preview: 5 things about Paris - Pelister

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On Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain Handball welcome Pelister to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin for their EHF Champions League Matchday 4 clash. Here's a look at the first-ever meeting between the men from the French capital and the Macedonian champions.

1. Point Classement

After two wins in as many games, against Szeged (29-31) and Zagreb (35-31), the capital club suffered their first defeat of the season on Champions League Matchday 3. Travelling to Kielce, the Parisians narrowly lost to the Polish side (29-30). Raul Gonzalez's men are now third in Group A, behind Kiel and Aalborg.

So, overall, things are looking positive for Paris Saint-Germain Handball, which contrasts with the complicated start to the campaign for Pelister, back in the Champions League after a three-season absence. The Macedonians were dominated by Kolstad (22-31) and then Aalborg (38-23) in their opening two games, and then their strong defensive effort was not rewarded against Kiel (20-23). In Paris, Serbian international Bogdan Radivojevic and co. will be keen to get their European campaign off the mark.

2. ATTACKS FACE OFF

Led by an excellent Kamil Syprzak, who has already scored 21 goals, Les Rouge et Bleu are one of the best attacking sides in the competition. After three rounds of matches, the men from the capital have scored 95 goals, making them the fifth-best attacking force in the competition.

In contrast, the Macedonians are struggling to find their feet at the start of this European campaign. With 65 goals scored, Pelister are the lowest-scoring team in the competition.

3. FIRST-EVER CLASH

On Thursday, Paris take on Pelister for the first time in their history. With seven league titles to their name, the Bitola-based club are second only to Vardar Skopje on the domestic scene. On the European stage, the Macedonians are taking part in their fifth Champions League campaign and the third one in which they have reached the group stage. To date, Pelister have never managed to progress beyond the group stage.

4. THE OTHER MATCHES

In the other games in Group A, Kiel will be looking to continue their unbeaten European run this season when they take on Kielce in this week's clash. For their part, Aalborg travel to Zagreb, while Kolstad take on Szeged for the first time in their history.

5. TO FOLLOW THE MATCH

Throw-off: 20:45
Television: Eurosport 2
Social networks: Live-Tweet

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)