02.10.2008, 10:10
Derby in Zagreb

One of the most spectacular clashes of the weekend is coming up in Zagreb with Löwen visiting.

Derby in Zagreb

The Zagreb fans are hopeful about the CL season. Their team will start the new CL against one of the group favourites, Rhein-Neckar Löwen.

The Croatian champions are stronger then ever. With the new reinforcements, Ivano Balic, Tonci Valcic, Gorazd Skof and Ognjen Backovic, the team of Lino Cervar have high aims.

Four CL finals

Zagreb played four CL finals so far (1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999), but they never won the title. The Croatians also played a Cup Winners’ Cup finals in 2005. Five finals – zero titles.

Many handball experts call Zagreb favourites for winning the title this season.

Will the fifth CL finals be the lucky one for Croatians?

First obstacle – Löwen

The first step to answer this question will be the derby of Group H between Croatia osiguranje Zagreb and Rhein-Neckar Löwen.

Germans are not in top form at the moment. Bad Bundesliga results and coach change will surely affect their quality. But Lino Cervar is focused on his team’s performance. He still has good opinion about the German team and his team will be ready to confront them.

On Friday Croatia osiguranje Zagreb will still play a match in the Croatian championship against Dubrava.

One day later, on Saturday at 17:45, the Croatians will host Rhein-Neckar Löwen. The referees will be Martin Gjeding and Mads Hansen from Denmark. The match will be live on HRT 2 and Eurosport.

TEXT: Ivan Ambros