The Bulgarian Derby in Samokov and Quick Rematch in Celje

The WABA League action intensifies tomorrow, as Group A continues with the first highly anticipated Bulgarian derby of the 2026/27 season Rilski Sportist-Montana 2003. Meanwhile, in Group B, Cinkarna Celje and Tresnjevka 2009 are set to face off for the second time in just ten days, a brief window during which both teams also successfully launched their respective domestic championship campaigns.

2026-27 WABA League – Group A:

Saturday, October 3

Group A – Samokov (Arena Samelyon)

Rilski Sportist-Montana 2003 18.00 LT/17.00 CET   LIVE STATS   LIVE STREAM

An all-Bulgarian clash looms as Rilski Sportist hosts Montana 2003. Games between domestic rivals in the regional league always carry an extra layer of intensity, and this rivalry will be a constant fixture as both clubs are set to be regular opponents in the WABA League for a second consecutive season.

Looking back at their recent history, Montana 2003 held the upper hand in regional play last season, winning both head-to-head WABA League encounters—including a dominant 96-78 road win at Samokov and a 79-53 triumph at home. However, Rilski Sportist has proven they can solve the Montana puzzle on their own court. In their domestic championship matchup at the Arena Samokov on January 24, 2026, Rilski put on a superb performance to secure a convincing 78-63 victory over their rivals.

The biggest talking point of this clash is undoubtedly the dramatic roster shift. Just last season, Gabriela Nikolova stood on the podium in Podgorica, proudly lifting the WABA League trophy as the beloved captain of Montana 2003.

After leading her former team to the absolute peak of regional basketball, the forward shocked fans this summer by changing colors. Now playing for Rilski Sportist, Nikolova will face her former squad for the first time on the international stage.

Preslav Peshev, Head Coach of Montana 2003:

Group B

Cinkarna Celje-Tresnjevka 2009 18.00 CET   LIVE STATS   LIVE STREAM

This game follows a recent encounter on September 27, when Cinkarna Celje delivered a powerful road performance, defeating Tresnjevka 2009 89-50.

In that match, the young Croatian squad opened competitively and held a slim first-quarter lead before Celje unleashed an unanswered 13-0 run to shift the momentum permanently. Tresnjevka 2009 travels to Celje to correct their late-September mistakes and pull off an upset, promising a highly competitive, tactical battle from the opening tip-off.

Damir Grgic, Head Coach of Cinkarna Celje:

Nika Baric, Cinkarna Celje:

Foto: Bernd Kohlmaier