26.11.2007, 04:48
Vardar complete most successful CL ever

The FYR Macedonian champions beat Ademar and finish with five points, but it is still not enough for reaching the Main Round or CWC.

Vardar complete most successful CL ever

FYR Macedonian men’s champion, Vardar pro, ended their most successful season in the Champions League ever by beating Ademar Leon 29-28. Vardar pro finish forth with five points, but it was still not enough to continue in the Main Round or in the CWC.

Twice in the club’s history, Vardar earned four points in the group matches. In 2002/03, Vardar have beaten Kiel and Fibrex. Two seasons later, Vardar have beaten Constanta and drew with PICK Szeged and Constanta.

Vardar had the hope for one day that they could repeat the result from two seasons ago when they continued in the CWC and reached the semi-final.

However, the five points were not enough to celebrate with joy their best CL ever. They expected a surprise in Zagreb, but Croatia Osiguranje have beaten 30-27.

Vardar played their best game of the season and they made use of the mistakes of the opponents. In the first half, Vardar were leading by 8 goals (13-5).

"I'm really sorry that this match wasn't enough for the second place in our group. We could only wait for a miracle in Zagreb, but I can't believe Croatia Osiguranje would be beaten for the second game in a row. As always, this season Vardar played with ups and downs, good and bed periods,” said Veselin Vujovic, coach of Vardar pro.

The Spanish team arrived in Skopje with 12 players. They secured their first place already and they tried to avoid getting inured. After 1-1 in the first minutes, the Spanish team could equalise again at the end of the game, 25-25.

"We paid the price for playing with 12 players and for a very hectic calendar. We started badly knowing that we qualified already on first sport. Vardar used all their opportunities,” said Leon coach, Jordi Ribera.

TEXT: Goran Antevski