Tough win for Vardar in the city derby

Вардар тешко до победа во градското дерби

Metalurg - Vardar

Vardar has managed to continue series of victories in matches against Metalurg after 25:24 win brought by Alex Dujshebaev' winner. Metalurg had a chance for a tie but final shot from Goran Pechenkovski was saved by goalkeeper Peter Angelov.

This was ninth victory in a row for Vardar in mutual matches, and fourth for Vardar in SEHA Gazprom league. Vardar were 24:20 up with 10 minutes left on the clock but Metalurg has managed to reduce the gap and create a thriller ending. Vardar was this match without Arpad Sterbik, Ilija Abutovic, Stojance Stoilov and Jorge Maqueda. Both teams have made too many technical mistakes and goalies were in good form with more than 10 saves on both sides.

In the next round on Saturday Vardar will host Telekom Veszprem and on Sunday Metalurg will meet Hungarian champions.

Lino Cervar, Metalurg' coach:

I wish all the best to Vardar' players in CL. It was a nervous match with a lot of mistakes on both sides. A little more luck was on their side. They have deserves to win this. We are still gathering  experience and improving for future matches. There were good moments but also mistakes due to inexperience.

Darko Arsic, Metalurg' player:

I congratulate my players. I’m a little disappointed that the game ended like this.

Raul Gonzalez, Vardar' coach:

Metalurg has played a good match. We have not played well, and I agree with Timur that we should play better im next matches. In the first half defense was not good at all but goalkeeper Angelov was excellent. We did not prepare well for some of Metalurg' attacking tactics.

Timur Dibirov, Vardar' player:

We can’t be satisfied with our performance but only with the final result. We've known we have to start playing better in the second half but I'm sure we'll play better in the future.