The Buducnost handball team rightfully achieved their win over Vipers on the court, with five out of seven competitors in Group B receiving the official result after the three-time European champion announced its closure.

The exit of the Norwegian team, however, has created an unexpected chance for the Podgorica club, which now needs to secure a victory against Rapid Bucharest to advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League by the end of the group round.

Coach Bojana Popović emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum after their significant win against Vipers, as the EHF elite continues today at 14:00 in southern Germany against Ludwigsburg.

– Our primary objective is to secure another victory and establish some continuity – noted Maja Savić, assistant to Bojana Popović in Buducnost’s coaching staff.

While expecting a miraculous outcome on the field of the European vice-champions for a Champions League playoff slot is difficult, the “blue and white” will continue striving for surprises in every match, aiming to secure a victory in the final round at “Morača” against Rapid.

Currently, the club from Romania has two points and a match in hand. Even if neither Buducnost nor Rapid pull off surprises in the next four rounds, Ivona Pavićević and her teammates will need a six-goal victory at the end of the group stage on home ground to advance.

– The girls are performing well, and I believe we deserve to earn more points in the upcoming matches – added Maja Savić.

This season, Buducnost has already managed to clinch a significant point against Győr, the defending European champions, with their triumph over Vipers – now, they prepare for another encounter against the Hungarian team’s rivals from the Champions League final.

– Ludwigsburg is an excellent team with many strong players. They have performed remarkably well in the last three seasons, maintaining the same squad. In their last game against Esbjerg, they led by eight points at halftime, which illustrates the quality of their team and players – stated the former winger of Buducnost and Montenegro.

Conversely, the two-time European champions are eager for another strong performance following their victory against Vipers, which marked the start of 2025.

– We have begun well, but competing is tough since all the teams in the Champions League are favored against us. Season after season, our team is getting younger, featuring seven to eight juniors and cadets. It’s quite challenging, but delivering good performances and achieving wins is incredibly gratifying – Savić commented.

Vipers encountered the worst possible outcomes, and Buducnost has faced tough times over the years as well, but everyone is hopeful for brighter days ahead, with full stands reminiscent of the past.

– Buducnost is an institution and the top representative of Montenegrin sports, and we must acknowledge that. Challenging times are present, but we aspire for even better days and to draw the audience back to the Morača Sports Center – concluded Maja Savić.

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