Macedonian handball derby between Vardar and Metalurg always attracts a whole lot of fans and situation surely won’t be a lot different on Saturday (20.45 CET) in Vardar’ Jane Sandaski sports hall. Matches between two rivals are always tense and narrow no matter the condition teams are in at the moment with whole atmosphere are pressure from the stands giving it a true fighting, derby character.

Match on Saturday will however be a bit different than the others as it will have humanitarian character. It's about high school student Borce Jovanovski who needs urgent bone marrow surgery and all the funds from this match will be intended for his surgery. Both clubs supported the action and urged fans to help and buy tickets.

Reigning champs are clear favorites ahead of this one and certainly have no intentions of stopping their SEHA winning streak where it is - on 15 wins in a row. By that they also have the best attack in the League this season scoring 33 goals per game and will certainly be tough opponent for Metalurg to deal with, especially in a situation in which they are trying to end the bad period and present fans with a quality outing against their biggest rivals.  

Tradition is also on 'Red&Black' side as they managed to celebrate in eight out of last twelve SEHA matches with Metalurg's last triumph occuring three years ago. Record does not look much better in their national championship wither where Metalurg last celebrated in April (29:26) ending Vardar' 10-match winning streak against them. 

Raul Gonzalez, Vardar coach:
Vardar against Metalurg is always a derby and I don’t see the reason for that not to be the case again. We still don’t know who will be eligible for the match and who will end up sidelined with both Igor Karacic and Ilija Abutovic looking like game time decisions at the moment due to injuries they are dealing with. However I expect a good match in front of a lot of fans. We are the leaders, favorites and we must prove that on the court. 

Stojance Stoilov, Vardar player:
Match of special significance and importance against our biggest rivals is ahead of us. As coach said, I believe we’re up to an interesting one because all matches we play end up being close, great for fans. However, I hope we’ll prove why we’re given favorite role ahead of it and do everything not to disappoint our fans.

Aleksandar Jovic, Metalurg coach:
Derby against Vardar is always a huge motive for us and we don't expect it too be any less tense this time either. It's clear they are favorites considering everything but we believe in our guys. We must be fully motivated, focused and play hard from the very first minute until the final whistle if we want to surprise them.                    

Martin Velkovski, Metalurg player:
There is no bigger motive than playing a city derby against Vardar. We know everything about the significance of these matches. Last year we managed to beat them in national championship and now we'll do everything to repeat that. They are a really good team but we are Metalurg and we must play in the best possible way each time we step on the court. Match has a charity character too and I'd like to invite all the fans to come and see this match but also help those in real need.

Match will be broadcasted on MRT (MKD), Arena Sport (CRO, MNE, SRB, MKD, BiH) and EHF TV.