Parondo warns of a “hellish” battle as Melsungen head to Vardar in Skopje

Melsungen strengthened their position in Group stage contention after a hard-fought 28-26 home win over Wisla Plock, leaving both teams level on six points as the race for the top two places heats up.

Coach warns of decisive clash in Skopje

Roberto Garcia Parondo, the German side's coach and a former Vardar-winning manager, said his players must produce their best when they travel to Skopje to face Vardar at the Jane Sandanski Sports Centre on October 28, a match that could secure Melsungen's spot in the main round.

“A very important victory for us. Today we played a tough match, a real challenge, against one of the strongest teams in this competition. We have one match left and we will give our maximum, it's all or nothing,” said Roberto Garcia Parondo.

Vardar sit at the bottom of the group, but their away victory over Nantes delivered the team’s first points and injected fresh uncertainty into the standings with one round remaining. Ivan Cupic’s squad will be eager to build on that success in front of their home supporters.

With both Melsungen and Wisla Plock on six points, Melsungen must win in Skopje to confirm advancement to the next phase. Parondo underlined that his side will prepare thoroughly to try to take the points at the Jane Sandanski arena.

The fixture on October 28 therefore carries high stakes: qualification for the main round hangs on the result, while Vardar will look to capitalize on home advantage after their recent road win.

Photo: press material from the event