Gorenje hopes for a surprise

For most handball experts it is obvious that Gorenje does not have too much of a chance against reigning champions Ciudad Real in the Last 16 of Champions League. Despite being a match between David and Goliath, there are people who believe that everything can happen.

That makes the Slovenian Champions optimistic before their first match. Their home arena in Velenje will be sold out. They know that they can’t lose,, but they could surprise.

"We must not be afraid of Ciudad Real. It is only a handball, where anything can happen," goal keeper Matevž Skok said before Sunday's match. He also knows Gorenje's big advantage: "Complete relaxation and joy in the match."

The three times European champion from Spain have so far only lost one single match in the whole season. That happened at the previous weekend in their Copa del Ray match against Reale Ademar. Still they are big favorites for another Champions League title.

"It is a handball 'dream team'," coach Branko Tamše said and added: "Ciudad Real has a concept of playing that works perfectly. That makes it difficult to say how they can be surprised."

Croatian player Ivan Čupić is happy to meet Ciudad Real: "It was my wish before the draw because we will be able to see where we belong in handball Europe. It will be a superb comparison for Gorenje."