PPD Zagreb will on Tuesday in Varazdin (17.00 CET) host two-time SEHA Gazprom League champions - Macedonian Vardar. Atmosphere in PPD Zagreb’s roster is great after a dominant triumph over Veszprem, first after 16-year long post against big Hungarian rivals. On the other side, ‘Red and Black’ are so far having an incredible season in SEHA League. With 13 rounds behind them they still did not experience losing sitting on top of League’s table with 9 points more than second-placed Meshkov. ‘Lions’ have this season already managed to bring down some favored opponents like Rhein Neckar Löwen, Veszprem and even Vardar which means that the biggest question ahead of this one is whether PPD Zagreb will be able to keep the ‘dark horse’ role against favored opponents or will Vardar put another jewel in the crown of an amazing SEHA season.

Vladimir Jelcic, PPD Zagreb assistant coach:
There are no big secrets about this match against Vardar. As you already know, we’re competing against them in both SEHA Gazprom League and Champions League this season which means this will be a clash of two teams which know each other quite well. Rhythm is tough for both teams at the moment and I feel like the team which shows bigger motivation and desire to win will in the end do it. We have four hard matches behind us in a short period of time with the last one against Veszprem filling us with self-confidence. Vardar will look to secure points to strengthen their position on top of League’s table and we’ll do our best to try to surprise them and get a step closer to our goal of reaching F$ tournament in April.

Ivan Stevanovic, PPD Zagreb goalkeeper:
Atmosphere is pumping, especially after the win against Veszprem. Such victory surely is a big thing and a big self-confidence booster for the whole team. We’ll start preparing for Vardar today because we simply did not have time to do it earlier but as coach already mentioned, there are no big secrets in this one. Win against Vardar would mean us a huge deal as we’ll have tough schedule after the national team break in January with five away matches and only one at home. I hope fans will also once again be there for us to supports us like they did against Veszprem.

Raul Gonzales, Vardar coach:
I expect a very tough match against PPD Zagreb as they’ve managed to find the momentum lately even beating Veszprem with 4 goal difference. We’ve by that also played in Croatian capital last month and ended up losing that one but this time we want to win and prove why we’re at the moment top-positioned team in the League.

Strahinja Milic, Vardar goalkeeper:
It will be very hard as Zagreb are playing excellent handball especially under their new coach. They always play very good in front of their fans but we’re currently on the top of the League and want to keep it that way and prove why we’re there. I find us slight favorites in this one and I believe we’ll show it on the court.