EHFCL Round 1 preview: opening matches for 7 SEHA clubs

Ivan Cupic

At the start of the new season, EHF Champions League will feature 7 SEHA clubs. There is no doubt, this season is going to be challenging for them, but a lot of excitement and good play is in front of them. Besides incredible Vardar who will be defending the title in the new season, other SEHA clubs will also have important roles in the competition. 

Five-times SEHA winners and reigning European champions, Vardar will start to defend their title with away appearance against Montpellier HB. The first clash of the gold generation from Skopje and French Montpellier in Group B is scheduled for Satudray, 14th of September. It will be a tough match as Montpellier also won the EHF Champions League in the 2017/2018 season when Vardar finished the competition fourth. The last time these two teams met, Vardar dominated the court and secured a win.   

In another clash of that group, Meshkov Brest will meet with Porto Sofarma. For the past four seasons, Belarusian champions finished the competition in the Last 16 stage, so this will be a great opportunity to achieve something big. On the other side, Porto Sofarma were absent for three seasons and this will be their first season back. 

That same day, Tatran Presov will start their EHF Champions League journey against Bidasoa Irun in Group C. After they finished the last season in the group phase, Slovakian champions will be motivated to go step further and qualify for the next stage. On that path, they will meet with the returnees from Spain. This will be the first season back for Bidasoa Irun, as the last time they were competing in the EHF Champions League was in the 1995/1996 season. The biggest advantage for Tatran will be the home court and endless support from their fans. 

The last match of the day is reserved for PPD Zagreb and Paris Saint Germain. Croatian champions will host their first match in Group A and will try to start the competition in the best way possible. After Paris Saint Germain won their last two clashes, Branko Tamse's squad will be eager to take points in Arena Zagreb.

After an extremely eventful Saturday, the next day is going to bring more excitement for SEHA clubs. 

The first match of the day in Group B will feature Telekom Veszprem and Motor Zaporozhye on Sunday, 15th of September. The clash of two SEHA – Gazprom League participants will raise the heat in Veszprem Arena. Hungarian champions, Telekom Veszprem will enter the season as reigning European vice-champions and will be fully motivated for winning the title this season. Their incredible fans will give them additional strength on the home court. With two amazing wins on the SEHA court, the guests will also be driven for winning the points. 

Next up, Eurofarm Rabotnik will start their first ever EHF Champions League season in Group C against Sporting CP. Pride of Bitola will play the historic, opening match in front of their loyal fans who will, once again, be their 8th players and cheer from the sidelines. They will have to give their best on the court in order to win points. 

We wish good luck to all 7 SEHA clubs and are eagerly waiting for the new SEHA – Gazprom League clashes! 

Saturday, 14th of September:
17:15 Montpellier HB – Vardar (Group B)
18:00 Tatran Presov – Bidasoa Irun (Group C)
19:30 Porto Sofarma – Meshkov Brest (Group B)
20:00 PPD Zagreb – Paris Saint Germain (Group A)

Sunday, 15th of September:
17:00 Telekom Veszprem – Motor Zaporozhye (Group B)
17:00 Eurofarm Rabotnik – Sporting CP (Group C)