The Preview: Paris - Toulouse
Handball•
Paris Saint-Germain Handball play host to Toulouse in their StarLigue Matchday 6 clash on Saturday 9 October 2026. Find out everything you need to know about this fixture.
While things have gone well for our Les Rouge et Bleu since the start of the season – as evidenced by five wins from as many matches and their position as undisputed Starligue leaders – the same cannot be said for Toulouse. In truth, the season could hardly have got off to a worse start for Danijel Andjelkovic’s men. Having failed to qualify for European competition this season, Toulouse had high hopes and were counting on a lighter fixture list to get back into the top five of the top flight.
The Fénix could even have been pleased with a manageable fixture list to start the season, featuring matches against the two newly promoted sides to begin with, before playing host to Sélestat. And yet, the trap snapped shut on all three occasions. Caught out in Saran (27–25), they then crumbled in the dying moments at home to Caen (31–32) and then Sélestat (24–25). With three defeats to start the season, their situation was already alarming when they trsvelled to face Matchday 1 nemeses Saran in the Coupe de France.
This time, Fénix's experience proved decisive against the newly promoted side. Thanks to a solid performance from Nemanja Ilic (ten goals), Toulouse secured their place in the next round and, in the process, their first win of the season (28–36). It was just what they needed to regain some confidence ahead of their trip to Nantes a few days later. Although few people gave them much of a chance, Danijel Andjelkovic’s men put in a flawless performance at the H Arena. Neck and neck throughout the match, Toulouse confirmed their rise to form and pulled off one of their greatest recent feats by beating The H (29–30).
Their season is now in full swing, with a third consecutive victory clinched against Chartres last week (30–28). We can now expect the Fénix to arrive at Coubertin determined to continue this fine run of form. Capable of beating the top teams in the league, Toulouse will be one to watch closely, especially as Andjelkovic has several interesting assets in his squad.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest threat in Fenix’s ranks this Saturday will be Nemanja Ilic. With 28 goals from five matches, the tireless 36-year-old winger is Toulouse’s top scorer so far this season. At the club since 2013, the Serbian international has scored 1,971 goals in the top flight and is therefore closing in on the historic milestone of 2,000 top-flight goals - and a place in an exclusive club with Raphaël Caucheteux (2,642 goals) and Valero Rivera (2,138) the only other members.
Another major source of satisfaction this season is Bakary Diallo, who continues to go from strength to strength. The left-back was notably named in the Team of the Week for his performances against Nantes and Chartres on matchdays 4 and 5. The linchpin of the Toulouse defence, who tops the league with 20 ball recoveries, is also among the best when it comes to blocks (22), trailing Karl Konan – the master of the art – by just five.
This latest round of Starligue action kicked off on Thursday as Aix scored comfortable victory over Saran (39-30). Two matches involving teams at the bottom of the table are on the programme this Friday evening, with a clash between Chartres (12th) and Chambéry (13th), as well as between Cesson-Rennes (14th) and Saint-Raphaël (15th). Just two points separate the four teams, all of whom will be looking to secure a win to move away from the relegation zone.
On Saturday, Nîmes will look to build on their excellent start to the season (four wins, one defeat) with a trip to Limoges. The highlight of Matchday 6 takes place on Sunday, featuring Tremblay against Montpellier, whilst Nantes host Caen and Dunkerque will be looking to secure their first points away at Sélestat.
Throw-off for this clash between Paris and Toulouse is at 19:00 on Saturday, 10 October. It’s a chance to come and support Les Rouge et Bleu before a run of four consecutive away fixtures. Following this clash against the Fénix, the next home fixture will be against Aalborg on Wednesday 28 October, on the final matchday of the EHF Champions League group stage. For those who can’t make it to the match, tune in to beIN SPORTS 3 this Saturday!
