Ortega about Bitola experience: “It was a pleasure to play in such an atmosphere

The most decorated man in the history of the EHF Champions League — combining achievements as both player and coach — Antonio Carlos Ortega, and his Barcelona side collected new points and their fourth win of the season by defeating Eurofarm Pelister 34:30 in Bitola.

The brilliant coach from Málaga did not hide his delight at playing in the fiery atmosphere of the Bitola arena.

“It was a pleasure to play in such an environment, in front of these fans — it made me want to be a player again in this kind of atmosphere. The home crowd really puts pressure on the opponent, and I’m sure every team will have a hard time here. We faced my former player Filip Kuzmanovski — he’s now a mature player, a leader of his team, works perfectly with the pivot, and he’s exactly what Eurofarm Pelister needs. I was glad to see him again,” said Ortega.

After five rounds of the group stage, Barcelona have four wins and one loss — against SC Magdeburg.