Montpellier vs Poitiers: Ligue A Match Abandoned Due to Weather

The Ligue A showdown between Montpellier and Poitiers, scheduled for 3:00 AM on 9 May 2026, was abandoned before the first serve. Heavy thunderstorms that swept through southern France caused flooding around the Palais des Sports de Montpellier, making the arena inaccessible for both teams and officials.

Teams in Form

Montpellier, currently fifth in the Ligue A table, have been on an upward trajectory thanks to the explosive hitting of Brazilian outside Lucas Silva. Poitiers, sitting eighth, were hoping to build on a surprise win over league leaders Chaumont the previous week. The abandonment deprives fans of a fixture that historically produces tight, high‑scoring matches – the last five meetings have all gone to four or five sets.

What Comes Next?

The Ligue A committee announced that the match will be replayed on 4 June, a rare mid‑week insertion. Both clubs expressed disappointment but accepted the decision. For Montpellier, the delay could disrupt their rhythm as they chase a top‑four finish. Poitiers will have extra time to integrate new signing Antoine Giraud, a middle blocker who joined mid‑season.

Historical Context

These clubs have a longstanding rivalry dating back to the 1990s. Montpellier hold a slight edge in head‑to‑head wins (57‑53), but Poitiers have won the last two encounters, including a dramatic 3‑2 comeback in February. The rescheduled match is expected to be a sell‑out, if the weather cooperates.