With four matches played and four victories secured at the water polo temple in Gruž, achieving a goal difference of 78:33, they have confidently booked a spot in the Champions League.

The Jadran m:tel water polo team has impressively completed their qualifications for the European elite, ensuring that Montenegro joins the select group of countries with multiple representatives in the Champions League – alongside Novlja, they also boast Primorac as the reigning champion of our nation.

In the past, fierce rivals from the Gulf have battled for a place in the final four of Europe’s strongest water polo competition, making it more than a decade since Montenegro last had two representatives in the Champions League – specifically, since the 2011/12 season.

– This is a significant achievement for Montenegrin water polo overall, as it has been over a decade since we had two representatives in the Champions League. All water polo supporters in Montenegro should celebrate the results of Primorje and Jadran – remarked Aleksandar Ivović, a vital player for Novljan this season, following the qualifying tournament in Dubrovnik.

The dominance of the Adriatic in Gruž is further validated by the statistics…

The impressive goal difference has been previously highlighted, showcasing a record-setting victory in the history of the club from Škver.

The team led by Vladimir Gojković achieved an overwhelming 35:3 victory over Banjaluka in the opening round – with a +32 margin, Jadran surpassed the previous record of 28 points, as announced by the club from Herceg Novi on social media.

The team from Bosnia and Herzegovina entered the history books of the Adriatic in another way – becoming the 118th adversary against which the Montenegrin giant competed throughout its long-standing legacy.

In southern Croatia, two unfortunate streaks were broken, both related to their well-known neighbors from that city… Jadran defeated Jug in the second round (14:12), marking their first victory over the Dubrovnik team since April 2011.

The Novljans have awaited their triumph in Gruž even longer, as they celebrated at the Juga pool for the first time since May 2010.

– Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, I doubt anyone viewed us as favorites, especially considering that Jug is a markedly stronger team in their home pool at Gruž. What we demonstrated in that match is reason for optimism, and we should build on that momentum as the season progresses – emphasized Ivović.

Lastly, let’s touch upon individual performances in the tournament… Dmitrij Holod was the top scorer for Jadran, finding the back of the net 11 times, with Gojković resting him during the opening match against Banja Luka. The closest competitor in terms of goals was Danilo Radovic, who scored nine times.

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