The match between Meshkov Brest and Tatran Presov scheduled for Sunday (17.00 local time) is important for both teams as they are looking for a chance to play on SEHA Gazprom F4 tournament. Two teams have series of derby matches ahead of them which might decide a lot considering top 4 placement.  The difference on league’s table is on the other hand only two points which is only an additional reason why the match in Victoria sports hall might end up being not only important but key in F4 race, especially after Tatran managed to beat Meshkov in the opening round (24:23) in Slovakia.

Tatran on one side need points because of two poor outings and losses lately against Gorenje and Metalurg which on the other side, Belarusian champs need points in order to raise self-confidence ahead of another tough duel waiting for them only three days later against Celje PL.

Sergey Bebeshko, Meshkov coach:
We are playing against a team which is eager to qualify for SEHA F4 tournament and which is playing real good and professional match in - match out with their last match against Gorenje being a clear proof of that. I’d like to highlight their goalie Chupryna who I see as their most important player so far this season. In the attack they lost Peskov so now they are playing much slower than last season. Despite of all that our goal remains the same - we want to prove everyone our loss in the opening round of the season in Slovakia was just a ‘bad day’ for us. Astrashapkin will replace Igropulo for this one. 

Andrei Yurinok, Meshkov player:
We are facing an important part of SEHA Gazprom League season in which our ultimate goal is Final Four placement. We will try to reach as much points at home in this pre-Christmas matches. However, we know match is going to be tough. Tatran is a serious opponent, they managed to qualify themselves for EHF Cup group stage and by all that we lost the match in Presov in the opening round. That’s why we hope to take revenge.

Slavko Goluza, Tatran coach:
We expect for this to be a very tough game against Meshkov which is always a favourite at home. They are a high-quality team but we’ll try to go for the best possible result in Brest. We’re dealing with some injury problems lately so we still don’t know whether Dominik Krok or Lukas Urban will make the match-day roster.

Igor Chupryna, Tatran player:
Meshkov will try to beat us in Brest after suffering a loss in Presov in the beginning of the season. We have to recover quickly and get ready for the match in Brest in which we must do everything to reach at least a point. If we fight hard enough and manage to stick with our tactics during the full course of the match we might end up celebrating.

Match will be broadcasted on Arena Sport (Slovakia) and ehf TV.