Encounter between Vardar and Metalurg was throughout its bigger part a bit closer than everyone tought it would be but when 'Red&Black' shifted into a 'higher gear' it didn't take them long to seal the deal. In the end 34:28 and a winning opener for reigning regional champs.

This was already Vardar' 10th triumph in 14 SEHA matches versus Metalurg. Dainis Kristopans also reached a big milestone tonight becoming SEHA - Gazprom League's best scorer ever with 582 goals passing Radoslav Antl on the top of the all-time list. By that, Timur Dibirov netted his 50th SEHA goal against Metalurg becoming the best scorer in the history of Macedonian SEHA - Gazprom League derbies.

Matches between Vardar and Metalurg are always narrow, especially those at the beginning of the season. Hosts were able to reach a two-goal advantage right before the half-time whistle and the overall impression is the difference could have been even bigger in case they managed to keep their focus on a few occasions in the first.

Guests from Avtokomanda hoped to turn the match over when Timur Dibirov got ejected a little more than 15 minutes before the end at 23:22 but Vardar managed to stay in control taking a 28:23 lead and finally sealing the deal in this one. In the end 34:28 for reigning champs.

Home-team goalie Dejan Milosavljev finished the match with 12 saves, Rogerio Moraes added 8 goals. Halil Jaganjac scored 6 for Metalurg.