23.10.2017, 12:00
Match of the Week visits four countries in November

NEWS REPORT: France hosts the highlight match in the VELUX EHF Champions League on two occasions between Rounds 6 and 10, with visits to Brest, Skopje and Kielce also on the agenda

Match of the Week visits four countries in November

The VELUX EHF Champions League is in the middle of a two-week break, following five brilliant rounds, and the confirmation of the next five Match of the Week ties shows that the best is yet to come.

For the first time, the highlight match will be played at the home of ever-improving Meshkov Brest at the beginning of November, while fans can also look forward to visiting the 2016 and 2017 champions as well as two trips to France.

Round 6:
Saturday 4 November at 19:30 hrs in Sportshall Victoria (Brest, BLR)
HC Meshkov Brest vs THW Kiel

BITESIZE: Match of the Week makes its way to Brest for the very first time for an encounter between two sides jostling for a decent position in the incredibly tough Group B. The Belarusian champions opened their season with an impressive victory over Kielce, but their campaign has been a mixed bag since then and they sit in fourth place with five points. Kiel have yet to find their feet and this task is as treacherous as they come for the young side.

Round 7:
Sunday 12 November at 17:00 hrs in Stade Pierre de Coubertin (Paris, FRA)
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs Telekom Veszprém HC

BITESIZE: This is the first time these two pre-season favourites meet for the first time since PSG’s 27:26 semi-final win at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and it is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the group phase. Not only does this match promise a collision of two star-studded squads, but the result could see PSG snatch top spot in Group B or give Veszprém a comfortable lead. It is fair to say this is the easiest Match of the Week choice of the season so far.

Round 8:
Saturday 18 November at 17:30 hrs in Jane Sandanski Arena (Skopje, MKD)
HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen

BITESIZE: We visit the home of the defending champions for the first time this season for the arrival of arguably their toughest test of the season so far, German champions Rhein-Neckar Löwen. After five rounds, they are the only unbeaten teams left in Group A and their back-to-back clashes will go a long way towards deciding the group winners.

Round 9:
Sunday 26 November at 19:00 hrs in Hala MOSIR Legionow (Kielce, POL)
PGE Vive Kielce vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball

BITESIZE: Their 32:21 victory over Kiel aside, this season has been an uninspiring one so far for Kielce, but their thrilling 32:32 draw with Veszprém in Round 5 proved the squad’s newcomers are settling in well and the team can match any in Europe’s top flight. PSG have yet to hit top gear this season, but four wins from five matches mean they are well on track in Group B, a group which has shown us any result is possible and this encounter is no exception.

Round 10:
Saturday 2 December at 20:45 hrs in Hall XXL Nantes (Nantes, FRA)
HBC Nantes vs FC Barcelona Lassa

BITESIZE: These sides provided fans with a fascinating back and forth contest in Round 4, in which Nantes let a half-time lead disappear as Barcelona moved through the gears en route to a 31:25 win. In a packed Hall XXL, Nantes’ fans will hope to inspire their heroes to a famous victory over the record champions in a match featuring players on both sides who have played for their opponents in the past.

TEXT: Chris O'Reilly