On the seventh day of their training camp in Antalya, Buducnost excelled in their second preparatory match at the Turkish facility, securing a convincing 4:0 victory against Ukrainian side Zorya.

The “blue and white” squad outperformed their European counterpart from 2020, and the final score doesn’t fully capture the extent of their dominance on the pitch.

Goals were netted by Lazar Mijović, Marko Milicković, Oliver Šarkić, and Ognjen Gašević.

“It’s gratifying to achieve a decisive win against a European team, but as I’ve mentioned before, results during the preparation phase are less significant. What truly matters is that we displayed seriousness, maintained high intensity, and engaged in one-on-one battles across the match with relentless pressing. Our running was exceptional, our tactical execution brilliant, and we consistently raised the intensity, making every pass and decision challenging for the opponent,” reflected head coach Ivan Brnović post-match, adding…

“Furthermore, we played without major fluctuations, maintained control throughout the game, and I believe this encapsulates how Buducnost should approach the upcoming period. Naturally, replicating similar performances consistently will be a challenge, but we are committed to achieving that through diligent work. I think the team has developed solid work habits that will allow us to repeat and build on our progress from game to game. Ultimately, we are not resting on our laurels; we are focused on correcting mistakes and pursuing better football. Individually, we performed well, and the chemistry amongst us is evident at every turn – be it in the hotel, on the field, or during our walks… This unity is what we have long sought to cultivate,” Brnović elaborated.

Zorya is not to be underestimated; they currently sit in eighth place in the Ukrainian league.

“This is all part of the preparatory phase, and there is absolutely no room for euphoria. The upcoming two weeks will be the most demanding leading up to the start of the championship. I congratulate the players for their performance, and I hope we can maintain this rhythm and fervor – the match against Zorya exemplifies how we must strive for our crest,” stated Ivan Brnović.

Zorya managed to create only one significant chance during the match (which Đurović saved, followed by Gašević clearing the ball), along with two half-chances, whereas our team had not only the four goals but also several missed opportunities: Andrija Bulatović attempted a close-range shot (set up by Mijović, but blocked by the goalkeeper), Ilija Serikov shot wide from a ball dispossession following a great sprint and assist from Ivan Bulatović, Mijović took a shot, as did Igor Ivanović after a brilliant play involving Petar Grbić, Danilo Vukanić, and Ognjen Gašević, with Vukanić striking too hard from a promising position.

The goals scored were noteworthy: Mijović netted the first in the 38th minute from 18 meters after a fantastic solo run (with Ivan Bulatović providing the space and Ilija Serikov intercepting a Zorya pass), Milicković followed with a strike in the 46th minute after the goalkeeper parried Luka Mirkov’s shot.

The third goal came in the 57th minute through a well-executed play – captain Grbić distributed the ball to Ivanović, who returned it to Grivić, setting up Šarkić at the edge of the penalty area to slot it home making it 3:0.

The final tally was concluded by Gašević in the 62nd minute, following a return pass from Grbić…

In the first half, the following players participated: Mijatović (30′ Domazetović), Dakić, Orahovac, Serikov, Vuković, Mirković, Andrija Bulatović, Milicković, Mijović, Bojović, and Ivan Bulatović.

The second half featured: Domazetović (60′ Đurović), Grivić, Tomašević, Dakić (65′ Popović), Gašević, Vukanić, Đukanović (85′ Perišić), Šarkić, Grbić, Ivanović, and Kostić (85′ Jovanović).

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