As the weeks go by, the capital club seems to be hitting its stride in both the league and Champions League. After a summer of significant changes to the squad - and the coaching staff - the new signings are increasingly making their mark, as evidenced by stellar recent performances from Mikkel Lovkvist and Noah Gaudin. Now, a week after defeating Dijon (35-27), Paris are set to face another promoted team.
Back in the top flight after a two-season absence, Sélestat have had a tricky start to the season. Although they find themselves in a delicate position in the table, with just one point from five games, the Alsace side are playing some promising handball. On the first day of the season, Laurent Busselier's men came close to causing an upset, leading Limoges throughout the match before being caught at the buzzer (29-29). Although they have since suffered four consecutive defeats, their Matchday 4 performance in Nîmes was also very encouraging (29-27).
With 133 goals conceded after five matches, the capital club has by far the best defence in the top flight. With 25 goals or fewer conceded in two matches this season (24-37 against Aix and 25-33 against Saint-Raphaël), Stefan Madsen's side has successfully implemented his tactics. His players' defensive consistency has been exemplary - a fact laregely due to impressive debuts from Karl Konan and Mikkel Lovkvist. With a save percentage of 42% (28 out of 66), the Danish goalkeeper has been excelling both in the league and on the European stage.
On Thursday, Aix and Chambéry drew 32-32, as did Dijon and Cesson-Rennes on Friday (33-33). In a match marked by Gauthier Ivah's record performance (19 saves), Limoges defeated Tremblay 38-34. At the same time, Montpellier continued their perfect run against Istres, provisionally regaining top spot on the table (27-34). Finally, Chartres will be left with plenty of regrets after their last-second defeat to Dunkerque (24-25). On Saturday, Saint-Raphaël and Toulouse will both be looking to get back on track, while Nantes will be keen to maintain their momentum with a tricky away trip to Parnasse to face Nîmes on Sunday.
Tickets are still available to come and support Les Rouge et Bleu at Coubertin this Sunday at 17:00. For those who cannot make it to the arena in Paris's west, the match will also be broadcast live on HandballTV.
