In the first SEHA – Gazprom League quarter-final clash between Vardar 1961 and Vojvodina played on Thursday evening in Skopje, Macedonians managed to reach a comfortable win making a big step towards securing an appearance in the next stage of the competition. In the end 38:25 win for the ‘Red&Blacks’ who were in this one offensively led by Jan Czuwara and his ten goals. Second leg will be played next Tuesday in Novi Sad.

Guests arrived to North Macedonia with a rejuvenated roster, and that was well-visible from the very beginning of the duel with Vardar slowly widening the gap. Ten minutes into the encounter it was 8:2, and by the end of the first half hosts were 21:11 up. Their defense was functioning really well, especially in the opening part of the first half, allowing Vojvodina only four goals in the first 15 minutes of the match. Later on in the first it was Simo Sijan, and Aleksandar Kurtes leading the offense for the guests from Serbia, but unfortunately for their fans it was far from enough to endanger the Macedonians who were looking really well out there today.

In the second half we’ve seen more of the same with Vardar pushing, and in the end scoring almost 40 goals against this Vojvodina team that was today not looking as good as it looked in Nasice and Bitola in the regular part of the season. In the end a big 38:25 win for Vardar 1961 that has managed to make a big step towards reaching the next stage of the competition. Jan Czuwara led them with ten goals in this one, while Yoel Cuni Morales added eight. Vasil Gogov had 12 saves. Simo Sijan, on the other side, finished the match with ten goals for Vojvodina, while Aleksandar Kurtes added six.

The second leg will played next Tuesday in Novi Sad.

Stojan Petrusevski, Vardar 1961 assistant coach:
We were aware that we can’t afford to underestimate this young Vojvodina team, and I feel like our approach today was really good. In the second half we were able to give some minutes to our younger players, and I feel like they used them well. It was a match of offenses, with neither team focusing too much on the defensive aspect. A busy period is ahead of us with four matches in only ten days. I’m happy we’ve entered the match focused with all of our players giving their maximum.

Alen Kjosevski, Vardar 1961 player:
Congrats to Vojvodina, but I have to say we’ve entered this match really well giving our absolute best. Our goal is to win every time we’re out there, and we’ve really showed that today.

Dragan Kukic, Vojvodina assistant coach:
We’ve decided to come here with this rejuvenated roster, as we’re dealing with a really busy schedule on all fronts. Vardar showcased quality today, and I’m sure this will prove to be a huge and valuable experience for all of our younger players. It’s hard for this young guys to deliver on such a big stage, this is really something big for them. I assure you we’ll make sure we prepare in the best possible way for the second leg.

Aleksandar Kurtes, Vojvodina player:
Congrats to Vardar. They have incredible fans and I have to say it was an honor to play here today, in such an atmosphere. The difference between our teams is big and visible, but I feel like we were able to deliver a solid display overall. I have to add that I’m happy Vardar didn’t underestimate us, as that – in my opinion, shows that we’re doing a really good job here.