Celje win thriller against old rivals

RK Celje Pivovarna Laško beat their arch-rivals HC PPD Zagreb in a true thriller 29:28 to record their first EHF Champions League victory at home since 10 November 2019 – and also their first back-to-back wins since November 2019. 

Having also won the first leg at Zagreb 30:22, Celje are now six points ahead of the record Croatian champions. 

GROUP B
RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO) vs HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) 29:28 (14:12)

• Zagreb were never ahead in the whole match but levelled the score twice at 26:26 and 28:28.
• in minute 40, Celje seemed to be on the way to victory, leading 23:18, but the visitors then enjoyed an 8:3 run.
• left wing Matej Hrtic was Zagreb’s top scorer with six goals, but he missed the last two shots for his side
• Zagreb have now lost all their eight group matches this season – their longest losing run in 27 Champions League seasons
• Both sides face the group’s top teams on Thursday: Zagreb host Barça and Celje are at home against Veszprém 

Sarac spoils Zagreb's hopes

Playing against Zagreb, a club side from his homeland, Josip Sarac played a pivotal part in Celje's victory on Tuesday evening against Zagreb. The Croatian left back scored 10 goals in the match – five in both halves – and stepped up in attack whenever Celje needed someone to score from nine metres.