PPD Zagreb – Tatran Presov 33:26

Multiple Croatian champions PPD Zagreb have in SEHA Gazprom League's play-off match 2 played Slovak champions Tatran from Prešov. In front of more than 2,000 spectators Zagreb have in their third clash against Tatran this season and two defeats managed to reach a clear +7 win 33:26 (16:10).

 

 

Vujović' players have opened the match better depite of the fact that they have played CL's eight-finals match against Kolding only a few days ago proving why they were named favorites in this match. Zagreb's defence was working great in first 15 minutes. Slovak team was struggling to break it from back-court with Kristopans' absence being clearly visible. Zagreb were on the other side scoring easy goals from counter attack mostly over Zlatko Horvat and Domagoj Pavlović. In the end big +6 after first 30 minutes for Croats (16:10).

 

Second half – same story. Zagreb were playing good in defence scoring easy goals and Tatran have improved a bit, especially in defence but it was not enough to turn the match 'upside down'. In the end +7 (33:26) for Zagreb although it was even +11 less than 15 minutes before the end. Luka Stepančić was Zagreb's best scorer today with 6 goals, Stevanović added 13 saves. On the other side pure class from Radoslav Antl who was unstoppable scoring 12 goals. Petro added 4.

PPD Zagreb will on Friday (20.15 CET) play MKB MVM Veszprem in Final Four semi-final.

 

VESELIN VUJOVIĆ, PPD Zagreb's coach:

- First of all I'd like to congratulate Tatran on a good game. I have to admit we were a bit afraid of this match because we've lost two matches against them this season so far. We have showed we're in good form at the moment, especially in the first half making this big difference we were able to keep on until the end. They've lost much with Kristopans leaving the club and without Verkić today. They are not the same team but I repeat I'd like to congratulate them on a good match.

 

PETER DAVID, Tatran's coach:

- I would like to congratulate Zagreb not only on this match but on whole season. They were playing really good in both CL and SEHA League. We're dealing with some problems on the right side without left handed player which were visible today. Zagreb have imporved much from our previous matches and it was also quite visible today. Zagreb were able to keep the rhytm high and we were not able to keep up. I wish Zagreb all the best, to reach best possible result.

 

LOVRO MIHIĆ, PPD Zagreb's player:

- We've started the match very well showing why we are favorites. We were in the end able to rotate a bit giving each player a chance which surely is good.

 

VASJA FURLAN, Tatran's player:

- Season was tough, lots of quality matches. This was my first season in the League and SEHA looks great to me. We're dealing with some problems at the moment and it is obvious we're not the same team from few months earlier but neither are they. I wish them to reach best possbile results in both SEHA and CL.

 

Photos from the match and press conference you can find on the following link.