During the opening phase of the season, the Buducnost handball team achieved a surprising draw in Podgorica against Đero, the reigning European champion, marking a significant accomplishment for Bojana Popović’s squad.

Anticipating a similar outcome in Hungary was unrealistic. In the 11th round of the EHF Champions League, the Podgorica team initially matched the favored opponents, establishing an 8:4 lead, but ultimately faced a substantial defeat – 33:21.

The Hungarian powerhouses shifted momentum by halftime, finishing ahead 18:12, and widened the gap further in the second half.

Buducnost managed to narrow the deficit to four goals early in the second half with a 5:0 run and had two opportunities to bring it within three, but that proved to be their last surge.

Jelena Vukčević emerged as the top scorer for the “blues” with five goals, while Tanja Ivanović netted four for Đero, and Ivana Godeč alongside Jelena Radivojević scored three each.

On the other hand, Brazilian De Paula was the standout performer for the hosts with seven goals, supported by Frenchwoman Nze Minko who contributed six.

Next, Buducnost will face Odense at home and will later travel to Brest before hosting Rapid Bucharest.

Although they have recorded one win and one draw, Buducnost still retains a chance to secure a position among the top six in their group and advance to the round of 16, especially following the withdrawal of Vipers.

The match against Rapid in the final round may be pivotal; barring any unexpected results, Bojana Popović’s team will aim for a six-goal victory.

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