Five things to know about Montpellier vs Barça in round 2

Two clubs with undisputable handball legacies are taking centre stage this week in round 2 of the EHF Champions League Men 2026/27 as two-time champions Montpellier and record winners and reigning title holders Barça meet in a high-octane match in the group phase.

With star-studded squads, a hunger for more trophies and a fierce rivalry since 2000, the game — hosted in a well-known arena in France — is sure to attract the eyes of many. Here are five things to know before Thursday’s match.

1. Titans’ clash in front of 8,900 fans

FDI Stadium has been the main playing hall for Montpellier over the seasons, having a capacity of 3,000 spectators, but a game with such high stakes deserves a special stage. Therefore, Sud de France Arena is set to host the upcoming clash between Montpellier and Barça, with 8,900 fans expected to fill the stands to support the home team — and see the current title holders in action.

It is not the first time that Montpellier chose a bigger venue for their EHF Champions League clashes, especially against a club as big as Barça. Three of their previous encounters in the last decade have also been held on Sud de France Arena: in February 2016, February 2019 and September 2023 — all group phase matches. However, the arena has not necessarily been a lucky charm for the French side, with Barça emerging victorious all three times.

We cannot know for sure whether history will repeat itself, but one thing is certain — the atmosphere in Sud de France Arena will make for an unforgettable experience!

2. Barça hold the upper hand

Speaking of their previous duels, the two contenders have met 14 times so far in European club competitions — each time in the top flight. Barça currently boast nine wins in mutual encounters, compared to Montpellier’s four and one match ending in a draw, recorded in their very first meeting back in November 2000.

Interestingly enough, Montpellier were actually the ones to celebrate in their last duel, overcoming a one-goal deficit at the break (18:19) to take a 37:34 win away in Spain, hinting that Barça’s fortress is not impossible to break after all.

However, with Montpellier participating in the EHF European League in 2024/25 and 2025/26, the two have not had any clashes in the past two seasons, so the outcome of this week’s match is still wide open.

3. Players facing their past teams

Apart from crossing paths on the international stage, the familiarity between Montpellier and Barça extends to their rosters, as both clubs feature players that, at some point in the past, have been part of their opponent’s squad.

Two top players from Barça’s current line-up have had stints at Montpellier, namely young right back Djordje Cikuša and proficient line player Ludovic Fabregas. Advancing through the youth ranks of Barça and making his first appearance for the senior squad in 2022, Cikuša was loaned to Montpellier for the 2024/25 season to help the talented youngster develop internationally and gain valuable experience. That year he played in the European League with the French side and scored 28 times.

Montpellier represents an even more special place for Ludovic Fabregas, who spent his youth evolving as a player at the French side, before featuring with the senior team on Europe’s biggest stages until 2018 — and also celebrated winning the EHF Champions League in his last year with the club.

Born in Barcelona, current Montpellier right wing David Balaguer naturally began his career there and stayed in his hometown until 2014. Last season, he netted 46 times in Montpellier’s European League journey to fourth place.

Newcomer Pol Valera played for Barça’s from the beginning of 2023 until 2025, being part of the squad the same year when the side clinched their 11th Champions League title. He arrived to Montpellier over the summer after playing one season for FC Porto, in which he participated in the European League and scored 27 goals.

4. Both tasted European glory

Montpellier have come close to winning European titles many times — most recently in the European League, as they made it to the EHF Finals in the past two seasons and settled for silver in 2024/25. Their international experience might have been heartbreaking at times, but they have also had achievements that many clubs still dream of.

Montpellier took their first trophy in the top flight in 2003, and had to wait a long time for the next one to come, clinching the title for the second time in 2018. With 15 years between their victories and eight since their last celebration, Montpellier’s patience might be running a bit short. However, they are making steps in the right direction, returning to the premium competition with plenty to prove.

Barça’s records precede them — the perennial Spanish contenders have made a name for themselves on the international stage, dominating the Champions League with 12 titles to top the charts far ahead of any other contenders. As reigning title holders, Barça are the ones hunted, as the club aims to defend their crown and clinch back-to-back trophies for the first time since 2021/22.

5. Powerful back players leading the packs

Both teams boast depth and quality in their squads, featuring players with rich experience at the top level. However, among the star line-ups, two powerful back shooters stand out: Dika Mem (Barça) and Bryan Monte (Montpellier). Coincidentally, both stand at 194 centimetres tall, with their heights and powerful arms being a real asset from the nine-metre line.

Back in 2024, when the clubs last met and the French club took the win, Mem and Monte were the ones to lead their squads. With nine goals for Barça’s celebrity and 11 for Montpellier’s back, the two of them put on great performances in the final match of the group phase.

Thursday’s game will bring Mem and Monte face to face once again, both motivated to extend their winning runs after the successful opening round. However, one more thing needs to be mentioned here — since 2024, Barça have replaced their goalkeeper duo of Gonzalo Perez de Vargas and Emil Nielsen, while Montpellier still count on Charles Bolzinger and Remi Desbonnet. Will consistency pay off?

Photos © Victor Salgado (main & Barça in-text), Uros Hocevar / kolektiff, Montpellier Handball (in-text)