First Round, First Surprise: An Interesting Season Begins

The Slovenian handball season produced its first surprise immediately. Krka, which made no new signings before the campaign, defeated five-time champion Gorenje Velenje 28-23 in the opening round.

The result also spoiled the league debut of Gorenje’s coach, Žiga Lesjak. At the same time, Robert Beguš marked his return to the Škofja Loka bench with a victory over Jeruzalem, where returnee Saša Prapotnik took charge.

Celje Pivovarna Laško began its title defense with a 35-21 win over Sviš. Trimo, which had beaten Celje in Saturday’s Super Cup, followed that result with a 34-28 victory at Ribnica.

Slovan enters the season as the main favorite, while Trimo hopes to challenge both Slovan and Celje. Slovenj Gradec and Gorenje also look strong on paper, and other teams could emerge from behind. The battle to avoid relegation is expected to be close as well.

The championship is regarded as one of the most evenly matched competitions in Slovenia and the country’s most internationally competitive. Five first-division clubs will play in European cups. The remaining opening-round fixtures were Slovenj Gradec against Škofljica Ajdovščina and Slovan against an unlisted opponent in the provided results.