Victory as the only option for Meshkov and PPD Zagreb in order to stay in the race for top spot

Darko Djukic

If they want to stay in race for the first place in Group B, both Meshkov Brest and PPD Zagreb have to look to win the match scheduled for Tuesday, 19.15 local time, in Brest, Belarus. Loss would complicate the situation for both teams and make their Final 4 journey this season harder.

Both teams so far have three victories while PPD Zagreb are two matches behind Veszprem. With four matches left until the end of the regular part of the season, there is simply no room for errors. Meshkov and Zagreb are also not having their best VELUX EHF Champions League seasons either which means focusing on SEHA League might help them save the season and raise confidence levels.

In the last six encounters between the two teams score is 4 - 2 for Meshkov Brest. Speaking of all the matches they've ever played, PPD Zagreb have a slight advantage with seven wins from 14 matches.

Raul Alonso, Meshkov Brest coach:
It's going to be a tough match, rather than a tactical war. Both teams will be highly motivated and I expect Zagreb to come here with nothing but victory on their mind. We'll do everything to prepare in the best possible way for whatever they have to offer on the defensive side of the court. I hope we'll deliver a quality outing for our fans.

Jaka Malus, Meshkov Brest player:
PPD Zagreb are having a good season in SEHA League so far which is why I expect this to be a good match. We'll do our best to get back on the winning tracks for our fans who've been here for us throughout everything and really deserve it.

Veselin Vujovic, PPD Zagreb coach:
Speaking of Champions League, we are basically in the same situation with minimum chances to reach the next stage which is why we'll both shift focus towards SEHA. I expect them to play with their best roster on Tuesday and we will on the other hand come to Brest without Bicanic, Horvat and Asanin. Despite of that I believe in this team but they are without doubt favorites in this one.

Radivoje Ristanovic, PPD Zagreb goalkeeper:
We are both struggling with poor results in Champions League this year which is why both teams will try to win this match and improve the overall atmosphere. It will be hard for us to do that because we are playing without several key players like Horvat and Bicanic but we'll do our best.