Slovak champions Tatran from Presov are on Thursday (19.00 CET) coming to King Tomislav sports hall in Nasice to play Nexe. Team from Presov is doing great so far this season in SEHA Gazprom League and it is sure Slavko Goluza and his players will be fully motivated to beat Croatian vice-champions and keep close to League's finest. Nexe on the other side did not open the season in the best possible way but they seem to be catching proper tempo lately and a clear proof is the fact they've managed to qualify for EHF Cup Round 3 where they will meet Danish Ribe Esbjerg. Tatran are on the other hand still waiting to find out the name of their opponents as they will square off against better from the match between Hafnarfjordur from Iceland and Russian St. Petersburg.

Recent history proves that the team from Nasice often struggles against the team from Presov. Last season Tatran reached a 25:31 win in Slavonia while Nexe managed to take at least a bit of the revenge after a 29:29 draw in Slovakia.

Hrvoje Horvat, Nexe coach:
After a long time it would be nice to finally reach three points. However, we know it won't be easy. Tatran are proving themselves as one of League's best teams this season. They are a really well balanced team led by coach Slavko Goluza. Their biggest strength is their defense, second are goalkeepers and third is simply individual strenght and imagination of their individuals like Butorac. We must play like a team. It will be a tough match with lots of contact and goal is to dominate that aspect of the game.

Vedran Zrnic, Nexe player:
It's very important to reach three points ahead of the national team break. Tatran are playing really good under their new coach. We know what it takes to beat them but this season it will be harder than ever. They have interesting goalies and Butorac who is playing on the highest possible level this season. Our goal is to play a fast, fighting match which will raise fans to their feet.

Slavko Goluza, Tatran coach:
We're expecting a tough match in Nasice. They are a typical home-court team - they always play better, more aggressive in front of their fans than on road. Our roster experienced certain health problems during last 10 days which limited our preparations. We'll however do everything to deliver a quality team performance and take three points.

Mario Cvitkovic, Tatran goalkeeper:
It will be a good game. I am looking forward to going back and playing in Croatia. Nexe have a good young team with a great coach. Our goal is to take three points like in every other match.