EHFCL Round 3 preview: Tatran Presov against Cocks, Vardar to meet with Motor Zaporozhye

Nino Grzentic

After the incredibly tough and interesting previous round, even more eventful third round is just around the corner for SEHA clubs in the EHF Champions League. 

Slovakian Tatran Presov will open the third round on Wednesday, 25th of September. They will travel to Finland where they will meet with Cocks. Slavko Goluza's squad has two losses so far in the EHF Champions League so this will be a great opportunity to build self-esteem and get the first points. These two teams have already met once. In their clash from two seasons ago, Slovakian champions were better 30:27.  Start of the season was not great for the home team either. They also have two losses behind them and are currently on the bottom position in the Group C. 

Another guest appearance is in front of Meshkov Brest who will play against THW Kiel on Wednesday. Belarusian champions did not win points in the first two rounds. They lost both matches, even though they had a few goals advantage on the half-time in each of those clashes. THW Kiel are entering this match after the big victory against Telekom Veszprem. The tradition is on Kiel's side as the German diamond won all five matches against Meshkov Brest in the EHF Champions League so far. 

After a few days break, the EHF Champions League extravaganza will continue for SEHA clubs. Saturday, 28th of September will be reserved for the big clash between PPD Zagreb and Barca Lassa. The match is scheduled for 8:30 PM and, instead of the usual venue in Arena Zagreb, Croatian champions will host Barca in Zadar. After a big defeat in their last guest appearance against Aalborg Handbold, PPD Zagreb will seek the chance to redeem themselves and win points. With Veselin Vujovic who just returned on PPD Zagreb's bench, Lions will have extra motive do perform well. It won't be easy as last season's EHFCL Final 4 participants, Barca will also be eager to show their skills and secure victory. 

The next day brings us an exciting match between two SEHA clubs. Reigning SEHA and European champions, Vardar will travel to Ukraine where they will meet with Motor Zaporozhye. This will be the re-match of their recent clash in SEHA League when Ukrainian champions secured a victory in the last moments of that match. Vardar are currently holding the top position on the table in Group B with two victories while Motor Zaporozhye are on the bottom. 

That same day, Eurofarm Rabotnik will play against Spanish team Bidasoa Irun. This will be the second guest appearance in a row for Eurofarm, but a fresh opportunity to win precious points. The team from Bitola lost both of their matches in the previous rounds, so this will be the chance to move from the last position on the table in Group C. On the other side, Bidasoa have two victories behind them and are currently on the top of that group.

The match between Montpellier HB and Telekom Veszprem will close the third round for SEHA clubs. It is scheduled for Sunday, 29th of September at 7 PM. This will be one of the most exciting matches in Group B as both teams have one victory and one loss behind them. Currently, Hungarian champions are one position higher than the hosts, Montpellier. It will be the first away appearance of the season for Telekom Veszprem in the EHF Champions League. They played two previous matches in front of their own fans in full Veszprem Arena. The last time these clubs met, Telekom Veszprem were better with a result 25:19.  

Wednesday, 25th of September
18:00 Cocks – Tatran Presov (Group C)
19:00 THW Kiel – Meshkov Brest (Group B)

Saturday, 28th of September
20:30 PPD Zagreb – Barca Lassa (Group A)

Sunday, 29th of September
12:10 Bidasoa Irun – Eurofarm Rabotnik (Group C)
17:00 Motor Zaporozhye – Vardar (Group B)
19:00 Montpellier HB – Telekom Veszprem (Group B)