Preview: An early final - A look at Paris-Nantes
There are some matches that you just can't wait for, matches that thrill and change the course of a season. Matches in which the support of the public, a real eighth man, plays a role that is even more crucial than usual. Sunday's top-of-the-table clash against Nantes undoubtedly falls into this category. With 24 hours to go until one of the turning points of the 2024-2025 season, find out everything you need to know about this unmissable Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 19 fixture.
A fierce fight at the top
Having to deal with several notable absences and an ever-busy schedule, the capital club is struggling to be competitive on all fronts. Held by Dunkerque in the firt match of 2025 (27-27) and beaten by Nantes in their first metting this season (34-31), Raul Gonzalez's men let precious points slip away. However, they remain within striking distance of Nantes. After 18 matchdays, the two teams are neck and neck, with just one point separating the ten-time French champions from The H, who are still in search of an historic first-ever league title.
Nantes are, however, determined not to let this opportunity slip away. Since the start of the season, The H have set a furious pace, with 16 victories in the first 17 match days. Only Toulouse, on Matchday 3, managed to beat Gregory Cojean's men (35-29). Nantes are thus on a run of fifteen consecutive wins in the Liqui Moly StarLigue, and will be looking to widen the gap atop the standings in order to inch closer to their objectives.
Hard knocks - and an immediate reaction
Like the capital club, The H are facing a particularly busy schedule. Eliminated by our Rouge et Bleu in the Coupe de France quarter-finals last month (40-39), Nantes are still in the running in the league and the EHF Champions League. With fatigue building up, Nantes received two big setbacks in the clash with Chartres last week (32-25). Although they won comfortably, The H lost two key players to injury: French international Aymeric Minne and Lucas De La Bretèche. Without an operational senior centre-half, Nantes were quick to react by signing O'Brian Nyateu as a medical joker with immediate effect. A full-circle moment for the 32-year-old centre half from Dunkirk, who came up through The H's youth academy and wore the purple jersey for eight seasons.
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Key stats...
- 16. During the trip to Saint-Raphaël on Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 17 (30-39), Andreas Palicka made 16 saves, his personal best in the league this season.
- 32. On Sunday, Paris and Nantes will face each other for the 32nd time in league history. So far, the balance of power favours the capital club, who have 18 wins to 10 defeats and three draws.
- 7. Kamil Syprzak was named in the Liqui Moly StarLigue team of the week for the seventh time this season following his masterclass against Saint-Raphaël (eight goals).
Liqui Moly StarLigue Matchday 18 fixtures:
Sunday 9 March at 17:00: Paris v Nantes, broadcast on BeIn Sports 3 and to be followed on our live-tweet.
Thursday 6 March at 20:00: Aix v Cesson-Rennes
Friday 7 March at 20:00: Istres v Tremblay, Limoges v Montpellier and Nîmes v Chambéry
Saturday 8 March at 20:00: Dunkerque - Saint-Raphaël and Toulouse - Chartres
Saturday 8 March at 20:15: Ivry - Créteil
(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)