“A team that takes its heart in its hands”

The joy of the success in the DHB Cup at Dessau-Roßlauer HV (44:34) has not yet been fully lived out, but the focus is already on the next task: The home game against HC Eurofarm Pelister on Thursday (8:45 p.m.). “We’re having a really difficult week. But we have a good physio team and are in good shape, so I’m not worried,” said Elvar Örn Jonsson with regard to the third game in five days.

He himself has never played against Pelister, but knows some players from encounters with Iceland against the North Macedonian national team. In addition, there are familiar faces from the Bundesliga. Bogdan Radivojevic, Ilija Abutovic, Nejc Cehte and Dejan Manaskov have already played in the HBL, as has Filip Kuzmanovski, who played for SCM from 2019 to 2020.

Magdeburg, meanwhile, has already had experience with the club from Bitola. The two teams faced each other in the round of 16 of the European League four years ago – at that time with a clear outcome in favor of the Magdeburgers, who later secured the title. Since then, a lot has happened at the club, which is known for its enthusiastic fans. Represented in the Champions League for the third time in a row, Pelister has repositioned himself this season with Rubén Garabaya in the coaching position and has also made some personnel adjustments.

“This is a team that takes its heart in its hands. They play good handball and have a special physique. It won’t be easy,” says Jonsson. “We have been on the road for a few days now and are happy to come home. It’s going to be great to finally play in front of our fans again – and hopefully celebrate the next win with them.”

For SCM, it is the only home game in the Champions League in October and the last overall in this month. If you want to support the team, you can still secure tickets now.

By the way: On Tuesday, the EHF decided that the field of participants in the Champions League will be expanded to 24 teams in the future. More detailed information is to follow in December.