On 31 May 2024, Paris Saint-Germain Handball made French handball history by setting a new attendance record for a league match. On that day, 14,840 spectators packed the stands at the Accor Arena to cheer on the capital club as they fought for an 11th French league title.
An unforgettable moment for everyone involved, and particularly for Luka Karabatic, who was also celebrating the final club match of one of French sport’s greatest legends: his brother Nikola Karabatic. Our captain recalls that timeless moment: “We didn’t expect there to be so many spectators. I remember the Ultras’ banner and the atmosphere they created; it was incredible. It was also a special moment because it was Nikola’s last match with Paris, so it’s a very fond memory.”
“If I had to describe this match in one word, it would be ‘decisive’, because it’s a match that will decide the outcome of a title race that has been a nail-biter from start to finish - between two teams that have had an exceptional season.”
Two years ago, Paris settled the title race with a 39–36 victory over Aix that secured their 11th national title. Now, a true final awaits spectators at the Accor Arena, as Paris take on their closest rivals, Nantes. A win will hand the title to Stefan Madsen’s men, while a victory for Nantes would propel The H to the top of the standings with just two matches left to play.
Although he has already experienced many big games during his illustrious career, Luka expects a clash of rare intensity: “It’ll be a huge challenge; it’s quite exciting. The whole atmosphere is different because it’s a venue we’re not used to playing in, but we’re happy to be able to count on our supporters and to know that there’ll be even more of them there to cheer us on.”
In 2024, Paris put in a flawless attacking performance, scoring 39 goals against an Aix side that never gave up and finished just three goals behind Raul Gonzalez’s men. One of the key players in that victory was Kamil Syprzak, who top scored in the match with 12 goals.
Our Polish pivot excels under pressure and made no secret of his eagerness to return to the Accor Arena: “It’s always a pleasure to play in front of such a large crowd. There’s always an exceptional atmosphere in this arena and it’s going to be an intense match for the fans.”
A sentiment shared by the Rouge et Bleu captain, for whom the stakes make this clash all the more exciting: “When we heard we’d be playing this match at the Accor Arena, we didn’t yet know it could be a title decider. It will be a very tough match against a team that has had a top-class season. For us, it’s a source of pride to play in such an iconic French sporting venue, and we hope the support of the crowd will give us wings to help us secure this victory.”
So, almost two years later to the day, Paris Saint-Germain Handball have the chance to write a new chapter in their history - in one of the most legendary venues in French sport. A clash - between the two best teams in the top flight, both still unbeaten after 27 matchdays - not to be missed under any circumstances.
