Vardar return to the EHF Champions League, face MT Melsungen in Kassel

After a five-year absence, Vardar are back in the EHF Champions League and will open their campaign on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with an away game against MT Melsungen in Kassel. The match is scheduled to start at 20:45 and counts as Matchday 1 of Group B.

The two clubs met twice last season in the European League, but Vardar coach Ivan Cupic expects a very different test this time around since the competition and context have changed.

Coach Cupic sets the tone: victory only

"It's normal that it will be different now. This is a completely different competition and a different part of the season. When we played them last season, they already had enough points, and at that time they also had many injured players. Now they are complete, and this is also the opening of the Champions League. That's why I expect a completely different match. At the moment we are in a bit of an awkward situation. Not all players are healthy and we have certain problems. It's unlikely that at the start we will be able to play with a wider roster. We have what we have, and then we'll see how things develop. Of course I would be satisfied with a victory. With what else could I be satisfied? It's hard to talk before the start and before the first match. Vardar is a young team, so to speak. In the current squad there are not many players with Champions League experience. Maybe only two or three have such experience, but we shouldn't talk too much about that. We have three or four more days to prepare the match. I hope we'll prepare well and that we will travel ready to prove ourselves. It's natural that Melsungen is the favorite, but they will have to show that on the court. We, on the other hand, must show that we are ready for the Champions League and for a serious match," said Cupic.

Cupic underlined that Melsungen arrive as the favourites but that Vardar must force the outcome on the court. He also noted that injuries and a limited squad may affect the team selection for the trip to Germany.

Vardar will try to measure themselves at the highest European club level after five seasons away, relying on a relatively inexperienced roster in Champions League terms — according to the coach only two or three players have prior appearances in the competition. The team has a few days left to finalize preparations before travelling to Kassel.

Photo: press material from the event