Preview: 5 things about Zagreb - Paris

Avant-match

Paris Saint-Germain Handball travel to Zagreb on Thursday for another crucial encounter as the end of the EHF Champions League group phase draws ever closer. Find out all you need to know about this Matchday 13 fixture.

1 - THE TABLE

Les Rouge et Bleu have been unstoppable since the start of the season, whatever the competition. On the continental stage, Raul Gonzalez's men were unflappable in Northern Macedonia against Pelister (25-31), before picking up a crucial win against Kielce at Coubertin on the final day (35-26) - a hard-fought victory that saw Paris overtake their opponents for third place in Group A. Now just one point behind Aalborg, Kiel's nearest chasers, Paris do not have their fate in their own hands - but they are still in with a chance of qualifying directly for the quarter-finals. That will inevitably require a win in Croatia, against a side in fine form.

Although Zagreb fell to Aalborg 32-22 on the opening matchday of the EHF Champions League season, the Croatians sprang a surprise by beating Kolstad 25-34 last time out. The win means the Blue and Whites now have one foot in the last 16, as they sit three points clear of the Norwegians, who are just above the play-off zone. While the emblematic Nenad Sostaric was recently forced to give up his place on the bench to Andrija Nikolic until the end of the season due to health problems, Zagreb will be keen to continue their fine home form. Their only defeat at home on the continental stage was the one on Matchday 1 against Kiel (23-30).

2 - WATCH OUT FOR CROATIAN YOUTH

Zagreb may boast just the 14th-strongest attack in the EHF Champions League after 12 matchdays, but they are nonetheless a dangerous outfit who can give opposing defences a run for their money, thanks especially to the talent of their young generation. Among them is Serbia international Milos Kos, who has proven decisive both in scoring goals (41) and setting them up (26 assists). The 21-year-old left-back was instrumental in the crucial 25-34 win at Kolstad last time out, scoring five goals and adding seven assists. His performance earned him a place in the team of the week.

Still at the back, Zagreb can also count on Croatian international Luka Lovre Karica. At the last UEFA European Championship, the right-back caused a sensation by finishing as his country's top scorer in his first international tournament. On the continental stage, the Croatian No.9 already has 39 goals to his name. Last but not least, revelation Matej Mandic is the one of Zagreb's golden generation who really stands out - between the sticks. The 2.04m giant hasracked up the third-highest nnumber of saves in the competition this season (124). The 21-year-old goalkeeper was his team's main asset in the 22-22 draw with Kielce, where he finished with no fewer 17 saves.

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3 - THE OTHER MATCHES

On the penultimate day of the EHF Champions League group stage, Kiel travel to Hungary to take on Szeged. The Germans' sole aim is to book their place in the quarter-finals, and this will be secured if they beat a team currently ranked fifth, two points behind Les Rouge et Bleu. Aalborg travel to Bitola to take on still-winless Pelister and will be looking to take another step towards the quarter-finals. Last but not least, Kielce will be out to make amends at Hala Legionow against Kolstad. Beaten 35-26 by Raul Gonzalez's men last time out, the Poles will be looking to finish on a high note at home. Kolstad, meanwhile, have a lot to regret, as the Norwegians let their playoff qualification slip through their fingers following their home defeat to Zagreb on Matchday 12 (25-34).

4 - HEAD TO HEAD HISTORY

Since 2014, the capital club has crossed swords with their Croatian opponents 13 times in the EHF Champions League, winning on 11 of those occasions. Among these encounters, Les Rouge et Bleu faced the Croatians in the quarter-finals of the 2015-2016 edition, winning through to the Final4 for the first time in the club's history.

5 - TO FOLLOW THE MATCH

Throw-off: 18:45

Television: Eurosport

Social networks:Β Live-tweet

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