Half-time: Vardar trailing Nantes 15–16 at Jane Sandanski Hall

Vardar returned to the Champions League home stage for the first time in four years on September 16, 2026, but at half-time the home side trailed Nantes 15-16 in front of an almost full Jane Sandanski Hall.

Second-half drama ahead

The match opened promisingly for Vardar as goalkeeper Gogov combined three saves with three goals to help the hosts build an early 3-0 lead. Nantes needed about four minutes to score their first goal and then gradually turned the game around.

The visitors levelled and then exposed weaknesses in Vardar’s defense, producing a 5-0 run that put Nantes up 11-8 by the 17th minute; the scoreboard read 8-11 at that point. A timeout called by coach Cupic did not stop Nantes, who extended the advantage to 8-12 shortly afterwards.

Vardar regrouped when Malus halted Nantes’ momentum and the home team scored after seven minutes to make it 9-12. Energised by the crowd, Vardar narrowed the deficit as Valah found a scoring streak that brought the score to 11-12, though one attack for an equaliser was missed. Nantes then answered with a three-goal sequence to move 15-11.

Late in the half an exclusion for Nantes gave Vardar a renewed chance. The hosts tightened up defensively and increased pressure, cutting the gap to 15-16 with 30 seconds left on the clock — the score that stood at the break.

The second half promises to be tense as Vardar hunt an equaliser in front of their home fans while Nantes aim to preserve a slender lead.

Photo: press material from the event