Celje PL did not allow Metalurg to surprise them on their own court with Janc and Zvizej combining for 17 goals and carrying them towards a clear 34:28 victory. Second half was the key. After first 30 it was only +2 for hosts but they have managed to speed up the tempo in the second half and reach a new, important win over Macedonian vice-champions. Janc was once again unbelieveable scoring 8 goals from as much attempts adding 4 assists. Zvizej was team’s best scorer with 9 and Lesjak added 14 saves. Metalurg was on the other side led by Obradovic and his 7 goals with Arsic adding 10 saves. Metalurg will in two days travel to Presov to meet Tatran and Celje will a day later play NEXE in Nasice.

Branko Tamse, Celje PL coach:
Metalurg are playing a very specific type of handball, without goalkeeper and with seven players on court which can be really hard to defend. They do not make much mistakes but when they did we were not ready to punish them. We were however focused enough and ready to keep the positive result on our side. We did deliver some attractive moves in attack but so did Metalurg and without some very important players. Few more trainings, one more match and first part of the season is almost behind us.

Gasper Dobaj, Celje PL player:
I think that we have played one very correct match today and deserved to win it. It was a good fight from both sides. We are now travelling to Nasice where we want to finish the year with a victory.

Lino Cervar, Metalurg coach:
I can say I am satisfied with first 45 minutes of our performance. We’ve played well in that period, were focused but our defense was not on the highest possible level and that was the worst part of our performance today. We were missing some important defensive playing and I can say in the end it was a well-deserved win for Celje. I am glad the first part of the season is almost over as my players are tired. We have one more match to play in Presov.

Martin Velkovski, Metalurg player:
We’ve played good for a very long period of the match, focused, but our defense was not on the highest level. Overall, we did show a good performance. On Saturday we have new hard match to play in Presov.