Certain moments shape the course of a season. The victory in Nîmes (28-29), secured despite trailing by four goals with ten minutes to go in an electric atmosphere at the Parnasse, is undeniably one of the most memorable moments of this Liqui Moly StarLigue season for our Rouge et Bleu. All the more so as it came on the heels of Nantes' draw in Aix the day before. The maths is now simple for Raul Gonzalez's men: a win at the Sud de France Arena will see them clinch their twelfth French championship title. However, nothing is decided yet, as they face a team who will do everything in their power to secure qualification for the EHF Champions League.
The weeks are passing, but they are not all the same for MHB. Winners of the Coupe de France final against Les Rouge et Bleu, Erick Mathé's men came close to glory in the EHF European League Final4 last week. After surprising everyone by beating Kiel in the semi-finals (31-32), Montpellier ultimately fell short against the experience of Flensburg-Handewitt (25-32), who were crowned champions for the second year in a row. Now, the south-westerners are focused on the end of the league season. Trailing Nantes by two points, they cannot afford any more mistakes if they are to qualify for the EHF Champions League.
This match will undoubtedly be special for several players who are preparing to face their future clubs, be it in Montpellier or Paris. While David Balaguer and Léo Plantin will join Erick Mathé's team this summer, Sébastian Karlsson and Karl Konan will wear Rouge et Bleu as of next season. The Sweden right winger has had a great season at the Sud de France Arena; Montpellier's top scorer in the EHF European League this season (64 goals in 14 games) and approaching 100 goals in the league (97 so far), he will certainly be one of the men to watch in this final duel against the capital club. A real pillar of the MHB and French national team defence, Karl Konan will strengthen the Parisian back line and bring his experience to the table, having played more than 250 matches in the top flight.
On Saturday, the best attack in the league (944 goals scored) will travel to the home ground of the division's best defence (716 goals conceded). This is yet another ingredient to make this match even more enticing. While Paris are looking to clinch another league title away to their rivals this weekend, this clash is very much like another final for Montpellier, which could see their hopes of qualifying for the EHF Champions League dashed if they lose and Nantes win.
3. Paris and Montpellier will be facing each other for the third time this season. While the capital club came out on top in the league match (29-23), Montpellier won at the AccorArena in the Coupe de France final (36-35 after penalties).
25. With twelve wins, one draw and one defeat in fourteen away games, Paris have 25 points ahead of their last away game of the season - a tally that is already enough to constitute the best away record in the league this season.
106. On top of his 125 league goals this season, Elohim Prandi also has 106 assists after 27 games. He now needs just six more assists to equal his career record for a Liqui Moly StarLigue season.
Aix - Nîmes
Chartres - Saint-Raphaël
Dunkerque - Ivry
Istres - Créteil
Nantes - Cesson Rennes
Tremblay - Chambéry
Montpellier - Paris, broadcast on BeIn Sports 1 and to be followed on our live tweet.
(Credits: E. Renard/Team Pics/PSG)