The long-awaited meeting between Nanterre and Cholet for the 13th day of Betclic Elite is on everyone's lips. Two teams determined to triumph, but only one will leave victorious. Discover the stakes of this decisive match which could well reshuffle the cards of the championship…
This is the highlight of this 13th day of Betclic Elite: Nanterre hosts Cholet this Saturday, December 21 at the Palais des Sports Maurice Thorez. A clash at the top between two teams determined to impose their game and gain the upper hand in the rankings. The tension is palpable as this crucial meeting approaches.
Nanterre and Cholet, two ambitious teams
Nanterre and Cholet are among the leaders of the championship this season. With 10 and 9 victories respectively, they are neck and neck at the top of the rankings. A positive dynamic that both clubs intend to continue this weekend.
On the Nanterre side, it is time for confidence. The team coached by Pascal Donnadieu remains on a series of 4 consecutive successes in the championship. Ile-de-France players are therefore approaching this deadline with full certainty.
We are in good shape, we are playing better and better collectively. We will have to be ready against Cholet who are a very good team. But at home and in this dynamic, we have the weapons to win.
– An executive from Nanterre
Despite a defeat last weekend against Monaco, the Choletais are also approaching the meeting with ambition. Buoyed by its impressive offensive armada (more than 84 points on average per match), the Mauges team intends to strike a major blow away from home.
The keys to the match
The opposition in style between the two teams promises an interesting duel. The iron defense of Nanterre (best defense in the championship) will be confronted with the fiery attack of Cholet. The match within the match between Nanter leader Isaia Cordinier and his counterpart Dominic Artis will also be closely scrutinized.
- The last 5 head-to-head meetings between the two teams:
- October 2024: Cholet 84-78 Nanterre
- April 2024: Nanterre 89-80 Cholet
- January 2024: Cholet 82-95 Nanterre
- May 2023: Nanterre 102-87 Cholet
- March 2023: Cholet 90-86 Nanterre
As the recent history of confrontations shows, face-to-face matches between Nanterre and Cholet often give rise to close and spectacular duels. Advantage for the Ile-de-France club over the last year but Cholet leads over the last decade with 14 victories against 12.
A multi-stakes match
Beyond the sporting aspect, this meeting has important issues for both teams. For Nanterre, a victory would consolidate 2nd place and continue to put pressure on leader Monaco. Success against a direct competitor for the podium would also send a strong message.
For Cholet, the objective will be to catch up with the leading car and not fall behind. After two defeats in a row, the Maugeois must restart the machine or risk seeing their title dreams disappear. Laurent Vila's men are aware of this.
We know we're playing big this weekend in Nanterre. It's the kind of match that can start a dynamic or, on the contrary, make you doubt. It's up to us to give everything to leave with victory and resume our march forward.
– A player from Cholet
An expected electric atmosphere
As kick-off approaches, excitement rises in both camps. The Palais des Sports Maurice Thorez in Nanterre should be full for the occasion with nearly 3,000 supporters expected. Enough to guarantee an overheated atmosphere to push the locals towards victory.
But the Choletais will not travel alone since around 200 fans have planned to make the trip to the Paris region. With their drums and trumpets, the faithful of the Mauges will raise their voices to try to destabilize the Nanterrians.
All the ingredients are there to experience a memorable evening between two of the best teams in the championship. Intensity on the court, heat in the stands, challenge in the standings… Nanterre-Cholet will certainly be the poster not to be missed this Saturday. Kick-off at 6:00 p.m., response around 8:00 p.m.!
