The Croatian handball champions will face Celje Pivovarna Laško in the first round of the EHF Champions League Group B
The most prestigious club handball competition kicks off on September 24. 2016, and the Croatian champions, PPD Zagreb, start their participation with the away game in Celje versus the Slovenian champions Pivovarna Laško Celje.
Even though the golden years of rivalry are now behind them, the games between the two European regulars still stir plenty of emotion, and both will be keen to get this season off to the best possible start.
PPD Zagreb signed two Celje’s players this summer, goalkeeper Matevž Skok and right back David Miklavčič played for Celje in the past.
Both players mentioned had a great game on Tuesday against Gorenje in the SEHA League and Zagreb as a whole are looking even stronger than last year, when they ended the season at the quarter-final stage of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
The rivalry between the teams is intense, but there are plenty of personal feelings involved too, as Zagreb’s coach Veselin Vujović is also the coach of the Slovenian national team, so Celje’s players are no strangers to him.
Vujović is expecting a tough match: “Last year we beat them in both games, but with a single goal margin on both occasions. I expect the similar match in Celje today, so we have to avoid mistakes, as one mistake could decide the winner. I think we are a better team, but they are very dangerous at their home court.”
The match kick-off is scheduled 6.30 PM at Zlatorog Hall in Celje.
