RK Pelister overwhelm Pelister 2 39:17 in final friendly before Partizan clash
RK Pelister beat Pelister 2 39:17 in Bitola on 19.08.2026 as a final warm-up ahead of the regional league opener against Partizan.
On 19.08.2026 in Bitola RK Pelister closed their preseason with a dominant friendly victory, defeating Pelister 2 by 39:17 in a match traditionally played before the season opener.
The one-sided result gave coach Lino Červar a clear signal ahead of the team's first official fixture, scheduled for Sunday in the regional league against Partizan.
Preparation and expectations
The match served as a final tune-up for Pelister's roster, allowing Červar to run combinations and assess form under match conditions. The club staged the traditional rehearsal ahead of the competitive debut, with the scoreline reflecting Pelister's superior intensity and depth.
Sunday's game will also mark the debut of the veteran Croatian coach on Pelister's bench in an official regional-league match, a meeting that has added interest because it pits Červar against Raúl González — the former Vardar coach who won the Champions League in 2017.
Observers also noted a curious parallel in both coaches' careers: each has previously served as a selector of the North Macedonia A national team, which adds extra narrative to the upcoming clash.
Photo: press material from the event
