Even without charismatic coach Lino Cervar on their bench Metalurg delivered some excellent performances in their last two games and that can be a clear indicator we can expect yet another great outing from Macedonian vice-champions when they step on the court in their Boris Trajkovski sports hall on Wednesday (18.45 CET) to play Gorenje Velenje.

Young and unexperienced Metalurg roster managed to reach points in their last two CL games - on road in Ukraine and Russia, which did surprise some but not their supporters. Can this really be the beginning of the story they hope to develop in Metalurg where they are aiming to create a quality and potent team without star players but with talented youngsters eager to deliver their best match in match out? 

Gorenje are on the other side arriving to Skopje after two CL defeats and with a wish to end the negative series, beat hosts and keep close to their domestic rivals Celje. So far they have managed to record only one win in four SEHA encounters.

Thing that gives Metalurg’s assistant coach Aleksandar Jovic most headaches ahead of Wednesday’s clash in whether Filip Kuzmanovski will be able to suit up for the match after missing a few previous games due to an injury.

Aleksandar Jovic, Metalurg coach:

Game versus Gorenje is the last match ahead of EHF week and national team matches. This will be another test for us if we want to achieve our goals. Our primary target is to play better and with more fighting spirit in every match, to help each-other, and of course attract more fans as we all know everyone likes to see a fighting team play. We must be patient in attack and wait for the clear looks. Positive results is not a ‘must’ in this one but we must look to grow on both sides of the court and make progress.

Martin Tomovski, Metalurg player:

We’re quite familiar with Gorenje after playing them twice last season beating them at home and losing on road. Most important parts of the team remained more-less the same although they do have some new names starting with of course Zeljko Babic who I believe will prepare them well for the match against us. Our goals is to once again demonstrate our strong defense and patient attack. I’d like to use this opportunity to invite fans to come and support us in this one.

Zeljko Babic, Gorenje coach:

I expect a tough game. Metalurg' form is clearly on the rise after two positive CL outcomes. They are a quality, disciplined team which often uses power play actions. If we want to achieve a positive result in Skopje we’ll have to be fully focused and prepared for everything.

Zarko Pejovic, Gorenje player:
It won't be an easy match for us in Skopje because Metalurg is a quality team which was able to achieve five points in last three CL games. We hope to reach a good result and play quality defense.

Match will be broadcasted live on Arena Sport channels, Sport TV (Slovenia), MRT (Macedonia) and EHF TV.