“We’re Ready for Challenging Battles and Seeking a Thrilling Next Round”
Lovćen handball players prior to a match against Baki, Photo: RK Lovćen/Facebook
The Montenegrin city of handball is once again celebrating Lovćen’s victories in Europe—the titans from Cetinje decisively defeated Azerbaijan’s Baki with scores of 41:21 and 37:23, advancing to the third round of the EHF European Cup.
These are Lovćen’s first wins in EHF competitions in 15 years, and the team led by Filip Popović achieved these results much more smoothly than anticipated.
“We prepared for a very tough and unpredictable double match against the Azerbaijani team, considering they were largely an unknown to us. However, after the first game, it became clear that the gap in quality was significant, and we were fortunate with the draw,” said Savo Vujović, goalkeeper for Cetinje, in an interview with “Vijesti.”
Both matches were held in Prijestonica to cut costs, with the second match highlighting Vujović’s performance with 24 saves.
“I’m pleased with my performance; 24 saves is an impressive tally,” said the Lovćen goalkeeper.
Vujović is a product of the Cetinje club, having returned to the red jersey this summer after his stint with Budućnost.
“Coming back to Lovćen has proven to be a fantastic decision so far—I started the season phenomenally, and I hope to keep it going,” Vujović remarked.
photo: RK Lovćen/Facebook
He openly admits to dreaming of wearing the national team jersey one day.
“Of course, it would be an honor and a significant milestone in my career, as it is the dream of every athlete,” Vujović expressed.
The draw for the third round of the EHF European Cup is set for today at 11 a.m., and Lovćen could face intriguing opponents such as Haukar from Iceland, Drammen and Arendal from Norway, Greek Olympiakos, and the Romanian team Minaur Baia Mare, as well as teams from the Celje region, Partizan, and Scouts. Are there any rivals Lovćen hopes to meet?
“It’s hard to specify any particular preferences since the next round includes major clubs like Olympiakos and Celje, but we will certainly strive to create an upset and progress to the next stage,” concluded Popović.
Lovćen has kicked off the new season flawlessly, boasting five wins—three in the domestic league and the two mentioned in the EHF European Cup’s second round. Now, the team awaits a new challenger for upcoming European matches scheduled for either November 23 or 24, as well as November 30 or December 1.
FIRST GROUP: West Vin (Austria), Scout (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Mesto Lovosice (Czech Republic), AEK (Greece), Olympiakos (Greece), Haukar (Iceland), Drammen (Norway), Arendal (Norway), Minaur Baia Mare (Romania), Krka (Slovenia), Celje (Slovenia), Jeruzalem Ormož (Slovenia), Partizan (Serbia), Fadi Winterthur (Switzerland), Považska Bistrica (Slovakia), and Besiktas (Turkey).
SECOND GROUP: Lovćen (Montenegro), Ferthof Krems (Austria), Kur (Azerbaijan), Leotar (BiH), Poreč (Croatia), Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus), Mistra (Estonia), Polva Serviti (Estonia), BK-46 (Finland), Diomidis Argus (Greece), SSV Brixen (Italy), Orahovac (Kosovo), Alkaloid (North Macedonia), Runar Sandefjord (Norway), Potaisa Turda (Romania), and Motor (Ukraine).
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