Still in the running for two domestic trophies, Paris continued their march towards the Liqui Moly StarLigue title this weekend, defeating Saint-Raphaël 36-34. It was a very important victory, given that Nantes are keeping pace with the capital club, trailing the Parisian leaders by just two points with seven games to go. Stefan Madsen's men are still unbeaten in the league.
What's more, they have won every game played in France since the start of 2026, form that saw them reach the semi-finals of the Coupe de France by eliminating Caen (31-43), Cesson-Rennes (34-28) and Saran (25-30). Les Rouge et Bleu were beaten by Montpellier in last season's final, and now face their rivals again at the FDI Stadium for a much-anticipated rematch, with the clear ambition of fighting their way through to the final stage of the competition.
Solidly anchored in third place in the StarLigue, Montpellier are following the fierce battle for the title from afar, eight points behind Nantes and ten behind Paris. The team from the Hérault region have pulled off some impressive feats this season, notably becoming one of only three French teams to hold The H to a draw (back in October, 31-31). However, they are also prone to chronic inconsistency, which has prevented them from really looking upwards, as in their narrow 36-35 defeat at Tremblay in early April.
Montpellier, however, remain on track in three competitions after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the EHF European League at the expense of Elverum (36-24 / 31-35). Before facing HC Vardar 1961 for a place in the Final4, MHB's ambition is to beat the capital club to reach the Coupe de France final and confirm their status as the record champions of the competition (14 titles won).
Like their opponents this evening, Montpellier beat two ProLigue sides and one StarLigue side to reach the last four: Valence in the last 32 (26-29), Cournon d'Auvergne in the last 16 (31-37) and Aix in the quarters (34-27). The Hérault outfit booked their place in the semi-finals without a moment's hesitation, buoyed by an excellent Hugo Monte Dos Santos (nine goals) and an impeccable Rémi Desbonnet in goal (11 saves).
Two familiar names, as they have regularly been at the forefront of Montpellier's best performances this season. However, it is Paris who could start the match with a psychological advantage, having won their last two meetings with the MHB, each time putting in a solid performance. However, Montpellier are experts at knocking their rivals out of the Coupe de France, having done so on six of the last ten meetings between the two clubs in the competition.
The two matches will take place on Wednesday 15 April at 20:00. If they beat Montpellier, the capital club will face the winner of the duel between Nîmes and Nantes at Le Parnasse. The H are favourites on paper, but will have to be on their guard, a month after a scary 36-34 home defeat by the side from the Gard region. The final will take place at the Accor Arena on Sunday 23 May 2026.
