Belarus champion Meshkov Brest broke tradition and finally managed to beat Vardar in Skopje, in SEHA Gazprom League, 28:27 (15:11). Meshkov is first team that has managed to beat Vardar in "Jane Sandanski" hall in Skopje as a part of SEHA Gazprom League so far.

Although Meshkov had the match in control through all 60 minutes Vardar have managed to connect few good defences and attacking solutions closing the gap in the second half. Manaskov missed 7-meter shot to equalize less than 10 minutes before the end. Hosts have however had another chance to score and catch at least a point but it did not happen due to bad pass from Luka Cindrić to Blaženko Lacković in closing moments of the game.

Guests have opened the match better, with 5:0. Vardar were in problems in opening minutes scoring the first goal after 8 minutes over Slovenian Brumen but Belarus team was able to stay in control of the match until the final whistle.

Vardar will on Saturday host Borac from Banja Luka and Meshkov will on Sunday host NEXE.

Sergii Bebeshko, Meshkov’s coach:

This match was scheduled only a few days after tough challenges for both clubs in Champions League. We both have a lot of injured players which is a reason this match was not so beautiful and dynamic but we've play a tactically good match. In the first half we were much better and our goalkeepers were good. However, in the second half Vardar started playing better bringing the match to a narrow ending. It could have ended with a draw but they've made a technical mistake and we won.

Nikola Manojlović, Meshkov’s player:

It was really tough to play after games both teams have played during the last weekend. We've started very well, especially our goalkeeper and achieved a good result by solid margin at the first half. After the break they've  showed much better performance, but we've still managed to maintain the lead and win. I’m proud of my teammates for the victory against Vardar.

Raul Gonzalez, Vardar’s coach:

Our guests have performed really well and unlike them, we did not play well in the first half. In first 10 minutes we were losing 4 to 5 goals and it was hard to come back. In the second half we've played better, but we were not able to finish well. I understand my players because they've had a tough match in Champions League followed with this match against Meshkov which is never easy so I can say I'm proud of them.

Igor Karačić, Vardar’s player:

They've played a great game despite of the fact they have a long journey behind them and a few injured players. I don’t know what happened because it seemed that we've lost all our energy against Kielce. We knew it would be difficult against Brest, but from the start we allowed them us to make a difference that was difficult to catch. We have to remain focused on upcoming matches of both Champions League and SEHA League.