Fresh from their maiden French league title, Paris Saint-Germain Handball were aiming for a second trophy in the 2012-2013 season, but had to overcome Dunkerque to reach the Coupe de France final. The northerners, who lost out on the title but won the Coupe de la Ligue, were looking to remain one of the heavyweights of French handball in the face of the emerging power of Paris.
Luc Abalo, Mikkel Hansen and their team-mates were in for a hard-fought game, as evidenced by the score at half-time (30': 14-14). Les Rouge et Bleu came back from the break with dangerous intentions and took a commanding lead that they would not relinquish again, despite Dunkerque's late comeback (60': 33-29). A few days after winning the league, the Parisians also made the difference in the cup, and faced Montpellier in the final.
Paris have faced Chambéry in three of their last eight Coupe de France semi-finals, and have won each time. In 2018, in the midst of a title battle with Montpellier, the capital club knew that the trip to Le Phare would be particularly perilous, despite Nikola Karabatic's return from injury. Les Rouge et Bleu were solid in the first half, even taking a five-goal lead into the second (35': 13-18).
But you can never count Chambéry out, as the Parisians suddenly found out when the Savoyards dialled up the enterprise and efficiency. Down a man following a red card, the players from the capital had to draw on their mental strength as Chambéry came back to within a goal (52': 21-22). In the end, however, Paris swung the match their way, and managed to get out of the trap thanks to star turns from some key players (60': 24-27). Les Rouge et Bleu went on to beat Nîmes in the final a few weeks later, caliming a fourth Coupe de France.
Two years ago, the Parisians also faced Montpellier in the Coupe semi-finals, with the aim of regaining a trophy that had eluded them since 2022. The Héraultais got off to a flying start (23': 15-11), before gradually losing ground to the visitors. With Luc Steins on fire (four goals, 13 assists), the capital club prevailed over Montpellier in a high-intensity battle (60': 32-35).
Stefan Madsen's men have set an example to follow this season, and have every intention of returning to the Coupe final. Beaten by the MHB at the AccorArena last season, the Parisians will be out for revenge. Join us at 20:00 on Friday 15 April for a high-flying clash that promises to thrill fans of both teams.
