Preview: Zaporozhye - PSG Handball

News

On Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball kick off their Velux EHF Champions League campaign as they face off against Ukrainian side Zaporozhye for the first time.

European regulars 

Zaporozhye have become Champions League habitués over the last few seasons. Since their first appearance, in 2013, the Ukrainian side have played in Europe in every season, with diverse fortunes. While they reached the round of 16 in 2014 and 2016, they have also failed to progress from the group stage on several occasions. This is, however, their first time being drawn in one of the two top groups.

Their run in 2017-2018
Last season, Patryk Rombel's men came close to topping Group D but, after a long battle, ended up in second place, just behind Montpellier. This placing set them up to face Group C toppers Skjern, and while they once again went very close, winning the first leg 32-30, they ended up losing out by five goals with a 58-63 aggregate score over the two legs.

Main man
While Zaporozhye might not be the best-known outfit in the Champions League, they nonetheless have a squad packed with talent - notably playmaker Aidenas Malasinkas, who struck 58 times last season. A few years ago, the now-32 year-old Lithuanian plied his trade in Spain with Granollers and La Rioja (with whom he played in the Champions League in 2013-14).

Strong league start
Just like Paris Saint-Germain Handball, who trumped Ivry in their Lidl StarLigue campaign opener, the Ukrainians got off to the perfect start in their domestic duties with a 39-20 win away to CSKA Kyiv. Left-back Vladyslav Dontsov, 23, shone particularly brightly in that match, bagging no fewer than 11 goals as his side slotted straight into top spot on the Super League table.

To follow the match (throw-off at 18:00)