In a postponed 3rd round match of SEHA Gazprom League PPD Zagreb have in 'Matchbox' sports hall hosted Vardar and in the end reached an important victory. In front of a little more than 1,200 supporters hosts won with 30:25 (16:14).

'Lions' have opened the match better against clearly visible tired opponent which has less than 24 hours ago lost in a CL derby in Denmark against Kolding. In the first half  everything was working great for Zagreb, from classic rock-hard defence to good attacking solutions which was too fast for Vardar's defence to keep up with. Less than 5 minutes before the end of the first half zagreb were even up by 4 on wings of once again remarkable Obranović and Stepančić who have in first half netted 3 each. Filip Lazarov has however, in a few great solo actions managed to bring Vardar a bit closer, to only -2 before the half-time whistle.

Guests were better in the beginning of the second half. Their defence has finally managed to stop a few of Zagreb's attacks and in attack they were finding way to the goal much easier due to good back-line shots and Lazarov' great 7-meter shootout. Despite of that, Vujović' guys were calm in the end, patient, bringing the match to a clear, non-stress ending at 30:25. Stepančić scored 6 for hosts, Lazarov one more for guests.

Veselin Vujović, PPD Zagreb's coach.

It is clear that this match came in a bit bad moment for Vardar. Clearly they are not fully prepared at the moment but I'm however sure they'll be on a required level when it is required, at the end of the season. It is hard to be ready and prepared all the time but I can say we've performed well in general with a few mistakes but that's how it goes. We're now turning towards Champions League. 

Raul Gonzalez, Vardar's coach:

Zagreb have played a fantastic match, just like many more this season. We've tried to give players some time to rest and to give those who have not played much a chance to show what they can. Players are clearly tired but in the first half everything was more-less functioning well, we were close. In the second half we've had a feeling that we won't make it until the end, it was visible we've lacked strenght in those moments and in the end all we could get was a loss. 

Stanko Sabljić, PPD Zagreb's player:

It was not an easy match, tough and of course I am satisfied with the outcome especially after such a tense weekend.

Igor Karačić, Vardar's player:

Zagreb have played a quality match. I've seen some of their matches, they're playing really good and I wish them all the best. Tough weekend is behind us, we don't want to be an 'alibi-team' but many bad things have happened to us lately. We are now traveling back home to prepare for the clash against Kielce in order to keep the top spot in group B.