Clash of leaders in 'Zlatorog'

Celje - Vardar

It is time for the first clash of the leaders this season with currently top-placed Vardar traveling to Slovenia to meet second-placed Celje. Both teams have three wins in a row, they are in good form and it is clear that fans in 'Zlatorog' sports hall will on Saturday (18.00 CET) see the decision about which is the best team in the League at the moment.

Hosts still remeber last round's struggle from Ljubuski when Izvidac was, on wings of more than 2.500 enthusiastic fans with 32:31 just a step away from the stunner. However, coach Tamse could not count on his captain Zvizej, pivot Beciri and goalkeeper Gajic with Kodrin, Suholeznik and Poteko also dealing with some minor injuries.

On the other side Vardar will face first tough away challenge of the season after three important home wins against Metalurg, Telekom Veszprem and PPD Zagreb.

 

Branko Tamse, Celje Pivovarna Lasko's coach:
I believe that our medical card will look better than in Ljubuski where we've missed a few players due to injuries and illness. Those who were ill are back but are not in the best possible shape after losing lot of strength recovering. Speaking of Vardar - their results are speaking for them self. They have beaten Zagreb, Veszprem and they are on top of the table. They have great players and we already have some experience from matches against them. We have to prepare really good if we want to surprise them and, of course, we will do everything we can to win in front of our fans. I would like to have similar support like Ljubuski had in the last match because our fans can help us reach good result against a strong team like Vardar. 

Gal Marguc, Celje Pivovarna Lasko's player:
After three matches in SEHA - Gazprom League on road, it is now time for a new home test. We know the strength of Macedonian team, they have beaten Veszprem with a big gap. So, we expect a very hard match but like always we want to win, especially in front of our fans. We didn’t leave great impression in Ljubuski despite of the victory and we want to change that. I believe that on Saturday we will be able to play on top level.

Raul Gonzales, Vardar Skopje's coach:
I expect a really tough match, because in Slovenia it is always difficult to play. Celje PL have good players who play good handball and have excellent counter attack. For me,  Zarabec is their most dangerous player. We should be prepared for him because he knows how to attack very well and cooperate with his teammates in pivot position. They are also very dangerous in transition. We need to focus on our defense, because Celje PL usually score about 30-32 goals per match. I believe that their fans will enjoy good handball, but we want to win and remain on top of the table.

Mijajlo Marsenic, Vardar Skopje's player:
We have to play against a team that plays modern handball and it will be certainly 60 minutes of running. They always score lots of goals in each match and we should be prepared for it. If we manage to stop Zarabec and Janc probably we will solve most of problems for this encounter. I've never played against them, but I remember battles against some of their players from national team duels. They are strong and very fast, but I hope Vardar will get all three points. Our form is getting better and better, especially after our win against Veszprem.