This week brings us fantastic clashes in the semifinal of the European Champions Legue Men. For the place in the ultimate stage first we have all-Russia duel between TTSC UMMC and Fakel Gazprom Orenburg the opening leg is scheduled for Wednesday in Verkhnaya Pyshma whilst the return leg will be played in Orenburg on 4th March. The other match is all-German clash where FC Saarbrücken TT will meet Borussia Düsseldorf on firstly in Saarbrücken on Sunday and then in Düsseldorf on 3rd March.
Hosts of the opening leg praised the adversaries.
“Emotionally it’s harder to play against Fakel-Gazprom because they have the strongest team in Europe now. They won the Champions League many times yes they are very strong opponents for us. We played well got into the semi-finals without any problems so now we expect to show a good game to do our best. we hope to do everything we can and expect a good result ” said Zoran PRIMORAC.
There is no secrets between two Russia’s clubs and for sure there is no lack of motivation.
“Our team is in a good mood. The players have their final training sessions before the TTCLM semi-final opening leg and we are ready for the TTSC UMMC ” said TTC Fakel-Gazprom coach Vladimir ENDOLOV.
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV Hugo CALDERANO Marcos FREITAS and Aleksandr SHIBAEV are listed for TTC Fakel-Gazprom whilst on the other side of the net UMMC counts on Jonathan GROTH Liam PITCHFORD and Tomislav PUCAR.
“Both teams have experienced professional players of high world level. They know each other very well. Every year we fight for the national title in the Russian league. Taking into account this fact our players are seriously motivated and mobilized for the match in Verkhnaya Pyshma. The TTCLM semifinal leg 1 promises to be exciting tense and interesting ” promised coach ENDOLOV.
The ambitions are same as always.
“TTC Fakel – Gazprom has always the maximum goal that is – to win. We believe in the success of our team. A strong team spirit and excellent teamwork will help us. We hope that table tennis fans will enjoy a bright spectacular and exciting semifinal match!”
