Podravka handballers face a visit to Romania's Gloria from Bistrița this weekend in the seventh round of the top European club competition. It will be the first of two encounters between the teams in just two weeks, with Podravka hosting the return leg at the Bepova Arena next Saturday.
The Sunday match takes place at the TeraPlast Arena on 8 November at 16:00, and will be broadcast live on Arena Sport.
Podravka coach Ivica Obrvan stated that this is one of the toughest away fixtures at the current moment. He highlighted that loud fans and significant pressure from the home crowd await them on the court, as well as the fact that Gloria fields a very high-quality team. According to him, Gloria's results in the Champions League confirm how serious an opponent they are.
Obrvan emphasised that they must prepare maximally and respond as best as possible to their solid and aggressive defence. He added that it is important to contain their individual quality at various positions. He concluded that only with the right approach and maximum commitment can they compete on equal terms and attempt to secure a positive result.
Podravka wing player Klara Birtić stated that it will certainly be a difficult match against the current Romanian champions, who have many quality players. She highlighted that their left wings stand out the most. Birtić added that they will focus on themselves and their own game, and will try to seek a positive result through solid defence and concentration throughout all 60 minutes. She expects a fiery atmosphere in the stands and looks forward to playing in such an environment.
Alongside Birtić, Podravka's wing players include Dejana Milosavljević.
