Slovenian derby of SEHA - Gazprom League between Celje Pivovarna Lasko and Gorenje Velenje will be the perfect chance for two teams to see where they stand compared to their biggest rivals in about the middle of the season. Slovenian champs managed to take an away win in Velenje in the opening round of the season (22:25) but despite of that both teams can hope to take points from this one (Sunday, 17.00 CET). Hosts desperately need points in case they wish to remain active in the race in the second part of the season too.

Branko Tamse, Celje Pivovarna Lasko coach:
This is the derby. I am expecting nice atmosphere in this December mood and would like to see a nice match and fans enjoying it. Of course, match is going to be far from friendly - match will be tough and we are aware we’ll have to play on the highest possible level in order to beat the team from Velenje. We know they have intentions to win here, they even played the match in Presov a few days ago without some of their most important players which tells enough itself. They’ll surely try to surprise us but everything depends on us - we must try to improve in some parts of the game, be focused and perform the way we know we can.

Borut Mackovsek, Celje Pivovarna Lasko player:
This is a real derby, special match for both teams. It is a match both teams want to win and no special motivation is required. We are favorites but it is going to be really hard. However, we want to deliver a good performance and finish the first part of the season strong. Match is also significant for self-confidence with Slovenian national championship still ahead of us where they will also try to be better than us. They have six national team players which says quite much. We’ll have to play on the highest possible level in order to win this.

Zeljko Babic, Gorenje Velenje coach:
Celje have an extremely good team and are favorites in this one. They are playing really fast which means we’ll have to be additionally disciplined and focused in both attack and defensive transition. Our main task will be to stop their quick counters and limit their transition game as much as possible.

Matjaz Brumen, Gorenje Velenje player:
We did not deliver best performances lately but on Sunday you can be sure we’ll give everything to play a competitive match against Celje. It is hard to say or promise anything but we want to play a match which will also be attractive for fans. Match is important for SEHA - Gazprom League but has additional meaning for Slovenian national championship which starts in April.

Match will be broadcasted on Arena Sport (Croatia), Sport TV (Slovenia) and ehf TV.