“And Jadran: The Pinnacle of European Excellence”
Water polo players from the Adriatic region making their way to the Champions League during the tournament in Gruž, Photo: Vuk Ilić
The triumphant comeback of the bay giants – the Jadran m:tel water polo team has flawlessly completed their qualifications, earning their spot in the Champions League alongside their counterparts and rival, Primorac.
The Montenegrin water polo scene has weathered numerous challenges over the past decade. While the situation is still less than perfect today, our nation is set to celebrate the presence of two teams in the European elite for the first time in over ten years.
As Montenegro’s champion, Primorac has secured a direct entry into the group stage of the Champions League, while Jadran concluded their flawless qualifying tournament in Dubrovnik with a decisive victory over Barcelona (14:10).
Under the guidance of Vladimir Gojković, the team has finished group C of the Champions League, set to face Barceloneta, Marseille, and Vaša. Meanwhile, Primorac will take on Olympiakos, Savona, and likely Sabadell, the winner of another qualifying group, in group D.
In the second round of qualifications in Dubrovnik, Jadran’s victory against the local Jug made it apparent that no one could hinder their progression to the elite…
Even Barcelona could not stand in Jadran’s way, although the Catalan club, powered by goalkeeper Oskar Mataredona, put up a strong fight early on, taking the lead twice…
However, by the end of the first quarter, Dmitrij Holod scored, allowing Novlja to establish their first lead at 3:2, signaling the direction of the match from that point onward.
Shortly after, Đorđe Lazić found the net, followed by Holod once again for a 5:3 advantage. Jovan Vujović showcased his powerful shot, while Aleksandar Ivović gave Jadran a three-goal lead from a penalty just before halftime (8:5).
The disparity in class between the teams became evident in the third quarter, as the team from Škver, bolstered by Darko Đurović’s defenses and goals from Danilo Radović and Vuk Milojević, extended their lead to 11:6…
Jadran maintained their focus until the final whistle, displaying impressive plays (with Vasilije Radović leading) and scoring, promising interesting matches in the Champions League ahead.
JADRAN M:TEL – BARCELONA 14:10 (4:3, 4:3, 5:1, 1:3)
Location: Dubrovnik, Pool in Gruž. Audience: 300. Officials: Dervu (France), Evers (Netherlands).
Jadran m:tel: Đurović, Holod 3, Vučurović, Obradović, Vujović 1, D. Radović 3, Lazić 2, Gojković, Ivović 3, Sladović, Milojević 1, V. Radović 1, I. Radović.
Barcelona: Mataredona, Loaldi, Viljar, Te Riele 3, Prat 2, Ramon Sesen 3, Andrade, Van der Wejden 1, Goria 1, Goma 1, Daura Gomes, Angelesku, Peres.
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