Nexe managed to secure their second SEHA - Gazprom League Final 4 appearance in history after an incredibly narrow match and a seven-meter shootout in which Filip Taleski and Darko Djukic failed to score providing Luka Moslavac with an opportunity to score his fifth of the night and start the celebration on Nexe’s bench. In the end 30:32 for Croatian runners-up in the Macedonian capital.

Guests managed to open the match better slowly opening the gap throughout the first half. A little over 10 minutes into the encounter they managed to open it to +2 (4:6) and ten minutes later it was +3 (9:12). Macedonians managed to slow Tamse’s guys down at the end of the first which finished with 12:15 as Karapalevski netted his first of the game with only a few seconds left on the clock. It was from the very first moment obvious why Nexe were given favourite role ahead of this one although Vardar proved to be a worthy opponent with their fans pushing them as always.

‘Red&Blacks’ looked much better in the beginning of the second. Coach Nedanovski managed to find a way to strengthen the defence and as a result of that Nexe’s advantage started to melt. With a little over 15 minutes left until the final buzzer Taleski netted his eighth of the night to bring Macedonians to only -1 (19:20). Match entered an incredibly narrow finish with Martin Tomovski grabbing a few big saves providing Darko Djukic and Dejan Manaskov with an opportunity to score some easy goals which brought them completely back into the game. Tomislav Severec scored his fifth of the night to level the game at 28:28 with about 20 seconds left. Nedanovski called a time-out which resulted in Filip Taleski taking a shot from outside right before the buzzer. Dominik Kuzmanovic grabbed his ninth save of the night crowning an incredible second half which meant the match was going into the seven-meter shootout.

Unfortunately for home-team fans, Filip Taleski and Darko Djukic missed in the third and fourth round of the shootout with Luka Moslavac sealing the deal at 30:32.

Ivan Srsen finished the match with eight goals, Tomislav Severec and Luka Moslavac added five each. Dominik Kuzmanovic had an incredible night stopping 11 shots being Nexe’s key player in this one. Filip Taleski on the other side netted 11 for Vardar while summer reinforcement Dejan Manaskov added eight.

Branko Tamse, Nexe coach:
Incredible battle, we both really wanted it. I guess we were able to dictate the tempo until 15 minutes before the final buzzer. It was obviously hard to play in this atmosphere. Seven-meter shootout is always a lottery and this time our goalie saved two attempts. Too bad we can't both make it to Zadar. I wish Vardar all the best and when it comes to us – you can expect us to deliver our best on the tournament. We're ready to do whatever it takes.

Ivan Srsen, Nexe player:
Congrats to Vardar. As coach said, when it goes to overtime it is always a lottery. This time we were luckier, we have to be realistic about that. Of course, I’m happy we’ll play on the final tournament. Once again congrats to my teammates on this performance here today. We know how hard it is to play here.

Vlado Nedanovski, Vardar 1961 coach:
Rotation once again turned out to be the problem for us, especially on the defensive side of the court. I’m sad we won’t be in Zadar because I know how much we all wanted it. On the other hand, I’m happy we showed real fighting spirit coming back after falling four goals behind. We’ve proved everyone we can play a team which participated on EHF European League Final4 tournament only a few months ago.

Marko Mishevski, Vardar 1961 player:
When it comes to the final shootout, I'd say goalkeepers are always the deciding factor. We've had our chances to win the match in the regular time but we didn't use them. Goal was to fight until the final whistle and I'm proud that we really did that.