France - LNH Proligue, Playoff - Return

PONTAULT-COMBAULT HANDBALL VS FRONTIGNAN THAU HANDBALL - 24/05/2024 - 8:30PM

Proven mastery
Pontault managed to win 33-31 against Frontignan. And it was no easy task. In a very tense match, with many penalties and turnovers, it took a power outage for Pontault-Combault to find their way back. They were trailing by 6 goals thanks to an excellent performance by Kevin Mesnard, the Frontignan captain, who made several outstanding saves to make a difference. He might play his last match this Friday after successfully completing his medical studies in parallel. Needless to say, this young man has a lot of qualities. He is an example for all the youth, proving that a dual career is achievable. He was voted the best goalkeeper in Proligue last season and will be a doctor by this summer. But beware, for Frontignan, he is the tree that hides the forest. Defensive deficiencies were once again very apparent. Pontault found many solutions at 6 meters with their pivots or from long range in the center without being hindered. Antonio Marcos Asier preferred to endlessly complain to the referees rather than find different and effective defensive solutions.

That's why we think there won't be any changes in the return match. Frontignan can shine for a few minutes, but the control lies with Pontault-Combault. They do struggle to manage the slides of Adria Leon, but that's all in set defense. They mostly concede goals on fast breaks or when they are outnumbered. But if their attack is strong, they will easily take the upper hand. They need to exploit the central high points even more, and this should be well executed once again by Hugo Lima. Through his powerful duels, his through shots, or his ability to flatten the defense for his backcourt shooters, he can make a significant impact. Thomas Toupance could also be one of the team's top scorers in the return match if he stops being unlucky and hitting the posts.

Then Kevin Taufond, who was oddly not used in the first match, could be the real X-factor in the return and make a difference. We foresee a tense match in the first few minutes but one that should quickly turn in favor of Guillaume Saurina's players.

However, we know that Frontignan never gives up, so the gap should remain minimal until the end, but with overall control by Pontault-Combault. Kevin Mesnard, unfortunately, won't be able to hide the forest for long.

The final score could be around 36-33. The teammates of Robin Cantegrel will therefore have a good chance in the final four to secure promotion to the Starligue against Istres. We wish them all the best in achieving that.


SÉLESTAT ALSACE HANDBALL VS JS CHERBOURGEOISE MANCHE HB 24/05/2024 - 8:30PM

You miss one being and everything is depopulated
Sélestat managed to win 30-26 against Cherbourg. Although they led by 7 goals at one point, they still finished with a significant lead ahead of the return match at home. Very focused and disciplined, the Sélestadiens have taken a first step towards the Final Four, which will be played at home. There was speculation about whether it would be the father or son Busselier who made the difference. Well, it turned out to be both. The son was one of his team’s key players, scoring 5 goals on 6 attempts. Meanwhile, Laurent Busselier had tactically planned the match very well, managing it fully even against Cherbourg's seven-man play.
However, the big surprise and major setback for Cherbourg was the absence of Thomas Loppy due to a concussion from the previous match. His absence was greatly felt by his teammates. He was replaced by Paul Louis Guiraudou in the defensive pivot position, but Guiraudou naturally lacked the same mobility and struggled significantly with closing down attacks. Consequently, Cherbourg was often penetrated through the center. If Loppy’s absence continues in the return match, it will be challenging for Cherbourg to hope for an upset in Sélestat. The Sélestadiens will have enough freedom to attack as they please and will likely have developed a strategic plan around this crucial absence.
As for the X-factors, Dino Jambres on the right wing greatly compensated for Robin Dupont-Marion’s struggles, finishing the match with a perfect 5 out of 5. On Sélestat’s side, the key was the use of right back Quentin Eymann, who brought his experience, scoring 6 goals on 8 attempts and demonstrating excellent game management.
In the return match, with Thomas Loppy’s absence, the scenario might be similar but without the final comeback. Cherbourg might capitulate once they realize that defeat is inevitable. Even though Nicolas Gauthier was exceptional in the first match with his 12 saves, he can’t do everything alone. Despite keeping his team afloat throughout, the absence of their defensive leader reveals more significant defensive weaknesses that are not compensated for. Tom Vinatier should be more decisive in the return match, regularly attacking Paul Louis Guiraudou or his partner Yanis Abie Resende. Both lack mobility in duels, which will also allow Vinatier to break through and set up his backcourt players like Grégoire Plat for long-range shots. Edu Fernandez is expected to have a plan with a staggered defense to disrupt the opposing runs, but this will more clearly open up opportunities for Vinatier and also for Oscar Vescovo, the young left-hander, when he is positioned in the backcourt.
Despite a strong defense, Sélestat might take some time to pull away due to the match pressure, but they should eventually free themselves and finish with a significant margin, securing their qualification for the Final Four. They could win with a score of around 33-26.