Valah urges Vardar to finish Champions League run with a win

RK Vardar will try to end its Champions League campaign with a home win when it hosts Melsungen on Wednesday at 18:45 in Jane Sandanski Hall in Skopje (matchday falls on October 28, 2026).

Valah urges focus after Nantes shock

Goalkeeper Miloš Valah — the standout performer in Vardar’s surprise away victory at Nantes last round — said the squad are determined to keep pushing despite being already eliminated from qualification. Valah produced 17 saves in that game and has become the team's obvious reference in goal.

“We are playing the final match of the Champions League. We have no chance to qualify further, but Melsungen do. I wish for two wins in a row right now. We are hungry for victory. Ahead of us is a very important week in which we play extremely important matches, this one and the one against Pelister,” Valah said at the team press conference.

Vardar’s victory at Nantes gave the club its first points in the current group and, according to players, lifted a weight off their shoulders. The team now approaches the Melsungen game with less pressure but clear motivation to finish the campaign on a positive note.

Coach Ivan Chupic previously appealed to the fans, saying: "This crowd deserves a victory to close the Champions League." The atmosphere expected in Jane Sandanski will be seen as an extra incentive for Vardar to produce a strong performance.

While Vardar cannot advance from the group, Melsungen still have mathematical chances — a fact that raises the stakes for the visiting side. After Wednesday’s fixture Vardar will quickly turn attention to their domestic clash with Pelister.

Photo: press material from the event