Old rivals Vardar and PPD Zagreb in another derby duel

Старите познаници Вардар и Загреб повторно на дерби дуел

Vardar - PPD zagreb

 Vardar will once again host a big derby this season and new rival coming to Skopje is Croatian champion PPD Zagreb. Match is scheduled for Tuesday (17.45 CET).

Vardar and Zagreb are old rival as they are both important parts of the League from its beginnings. They've met 14 times throughout last 5 season with Vardar celebrating 7 victories,  one more than Zagreb. Speaking of regular season's matches, Vardar are 4 from 9 just like their guests from Croatia - last season Vardar was with 33:24 better in Skopje and Zagreb celebrated at home as well with 30:25. Probably the most important Zagreb' victory in their mutual encounters was the one in final of 2013 F4 tournament in Skopje with 'Lions' managing to take their first and so far the only SEHA title.

 Match is always filled with emotions, especially with Veselin Vujovic - former Vardar's coach now sitting on PPD Zagreb's bench. 

Vardar are rising with two victories in a row now. Coach Gonzales won't be able to count on Abutovic and on the other side, Pavlovic and Sebetic will miss the match due to injuries.

Raul Gonzalez, Vardar’s coach:

In the match against Veszprem we were excellent and we should try to continue in this rhythm. We were highly motivated in that match and it has brought us leading position in the League. We know PPD Zagreb well, they have a great coach and good players. Their defense is very good and they are fast in transition but we want to secure F4 which means we'll have to continue with victories.  

Stojance Stoilov, Vardar’s player:

We know PPD Zagreb really good, probably the best considering teams that are in the League now because we're in SEHA League from its beginning. We also know their coach and he knows quite a lot about our players as well. I expect a dynamic game of two quality teams, but we just need to continue with good performances, like the one against Veszprem.

Veselin Vujovic, PPD Zagreb’s coach:

Vardar have two narrow matches behind them - against Meshkov and Metalurg, and a dominant victory against Veszprem in a really impressive game against probably one of the best teams in Europe. They are favorites playing at home - that’s for sure. We’ll play without Pavlovic and Sebetic once again and I hope for other players to keep rising in form. It will be a good match I’m sure in which we’ll prove to be a good, serious opponent.  I expect a really good game and of course hope for a victory.

Stefan Vujic, PPD Zagreb’s player:

Very difficult match is ahead of us against a really good, dangerous opponent. They have a lot new players proving that their ambitions are growing so it won’t be easy I’m sure. Our goal is to win, give everything we have and see what it brings us. Vardar’s victory over Veszprem did not surprise me as much as goal difference in that match. I expected it to be a narrow game but in the end those seven goals did not surprise only me I can say that much.