Preview: 5 things about Paris - Saint-Raphaël
On Friday, Paris Saint-Germain handball round out their 2024 fixture list by playing host to Saint-Raphaël on Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 15. We take a look at this final fixture of 2024 before a long international break.
1 - Form
With 2024 drawing to a close, the capital club was forced to relinquish top spot on Matchday 14. Although they were defeated in Nantes (34-31), Les Rouge et Bleu put up a good fight and remain level on points with The H, who now sit top thanks to their head-to-head goal difference. As Mathieu Grébille said after the match, "There's a long way to go". So there's nothing to worry about, but we'll need to keep our heads up on Friday night for the last great game of the year against a Provençal side that has never ceased to surprise this season.
Fourth in the standings, Saint-Raphaël are undoubtedly the surprise packet of the first half of the season. However, like the capital club, the Provençal outfit suffered a setback last time out. Defeat at home to Tremblay (31-32) ended their six-match win streak, but Raul Gonzalez's men will have to be wary of one of the best away teams this season. Benjamin Braux's men have already claimed the scalps of Nîmes (29-33), Toulouse (27-36), Aix (24-29) and Chambéry (25-28) away from home, not to mention several landmark home wins, including the 35-33 victory over Limoges.
2 - A tough opponent
Saint-Raphaël have a number of valuable assets in various areas of the game. Jannick and Andreas will have to be particularly wary of Raphaël Caucheteux, the visitors' main attacking threat with 75 goals to his name. Although they are very effective in front of goal, it is in defence that the Provençals stand out. With the fourth-strongest defence in the division, SRVHB can count on a solid back line, but also on the prowess of their two particularly complementary goalkeepers. While Alexandre Bataille has stood thanks to his saves (95 since the start of the season), Rangel Da Rosa has impressed with his ability to launch counter-attacks and be decisive from his own area. With six assists to his name, the Brazilian keeper is a role model in this respect, with only French international Rémi Desbonnet topping him on the list.
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3 - HEAD TO HEAD
On Friday, the capital club will face Saint-Raphaël for the 34th time in their history. Both have been in the top flight for decades, and the two teams from Provence and Paris know each other well. Les Rouge et Bleu, however, still have a clear advantage over the Raphaël outfit, who have a record of 25 wins to eight defeats. On Friday, Raul Gonzalez's men will be aiming to extend their nine-match win streak against their opponents. At home, the record is even more flattering, with fourteen wins to three defeats and a run of twelve straight victories at Coubertin.
4 - Farewell to 2024
Friday's showdown between Paris and Saint-Raphaël will be all about celebration. As well as, hopefully, a victory that will allow them to go on holiday with a clear head, the fans will have the opportunity to celebrate a successful year. The capital club is organising the Bodega de Coubertin to mark the occasion. The programme includes a chance to gather on the pitch after the match and celebrate the end of the year in the presence of the players. There will also be music provided by a DJ and a saxophonist. Enjoy this unique experience until midnight and join the capital club for a celebratory farewell before meeting up again next February for another clash against Nantes, Raul Gonzalez's men's opponents in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France from 7 to 9 February 2025.
Rejoignez la Bodega du PSG Handball le 20/12 après le match contre Saint-Raphaël, directement sur le terrain ! 🎉❤️💙
— PSG Handball (@psghand) December 17, 2024
🤾♂️ Joueurs présents
🎧 DJ
🎷 Saxophoniste
🍔 Offre food
⏰ Jusqu'à minuit
Expérience festive incluse avec votre billet, dans la limite des places dispos.
🎟️➡️… pic.twitter.com/ZUHp6CZ8CN
5 - To follow the match
Throw-off: 20:00 at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin
Television: beIN SPORTS
Social networks: Live-Tweet
(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)