Battle for SEHA GAZPROM Final4 continued at “Zlatorog” hall in Celje, where RK PPD Zagreb celebrated first win in 2017 by beating domestic RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 32:29 (15:15). The Croatian champions almost secured placement at the final tournament of the season sixth year in a row, while Slovenian best team now haven’t destiny in their hands, after Meshkov Brest beat RK Nexe Nasice 37:29.
The Balkan Classico, match of two Ex-EHF Champions League winners, was a real spectacle of two teams led by players who had important roles in epic bronze medal match of the last World Championship 2017 in France just 15 days ago.
Silvio Ivandija boys showed domination even without two important players from the first line-up – captain Zlatko Horvat and right back Luka Sebetic. Zagreb’s goalkeeper Ivan Stevanovic had a big role in the second half, when few of his saves made stabil advantage of his team. Ten minutes before the final buzzer, Croatian team had +4 (27:23) and despite intention of home team to try to get back in the match with quick attacks and agressive defense, victory of SEHA champions from 2013 wasn’t in question.
The TOP scorers in winning team were Slovenians, David Miklavcic with seven and Darko Cingesar with five goals. On the other side, Luka Zvizej and Blaz Janc were the most efficient with six goals each.
STANDINGS:
| 1. | Vardar | 17 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 566 : 483 | 44 |
| 2. | Veszprem | 17 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 489 : 430 | 41 |
| 3. | PPD Zagreb | 15 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 421 : 385 | 31 |
| 4. | Celje Piv. Laško | 17 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 522 : 515 | 30 |
| 5. | Meshkov Brest | 16 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 484 : 441 | 29 |
| 6. | Nexe | 16 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 443 : 476 | 15 |
| 7. | Metalurg | 15 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 379 : 396 | 13 |
| 8. | Gorenje Velenje | 14 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 376 : 404 | 12 |
| 9. | Tatran Prešov | 14 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 362 : 422 | 10 |
| 10. | Izviđač CO | 15 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 420 : 510 | 3 |
