The Champions League exit starkly reflects the struggles of the season. The future of Bemax, a two-time European champion, faced a significant setback against Bittingheim, resulting in a 34:16 defeat that matched the worst loss in the club’s history.

They conclude the elite competition in 14th place, performing better than only Savehof and Zagvembje from Lubin, who remain winless.

From the outset in the “MHP Arena” in Ludwigsburg, it was clear that Bojana Popović’s squad lacked the necessary caliber for the premier club competition worldwide.

This season, the team first matched their heaviest defeat (39:24 against Odense), then surpassed that mark four times (37:19 against Djerba, 44:26 against ĆSM Bucharest, 33:17 against Odense in “Bemax Arena,” and today’s 34:16), conceding the most goals ever from the Romanian champion, managing to lead 3:2 early in the 4th minute.

The Germans then embarked on a 7:0 run, leading to a 10:2 scoreline, signaling a looming disaster for the “blues,” who trailed 1 (12:18) at the halftime.

The gap persisted at halftime (19:7), and Gabrijela Dijaš-Moreski crushed the limited confidence of Ivona Pavićević and her teammates with stellar defenses.

As the game progressed, the deficit swelled to 29:13 with eight minutes remaining, leaving only the question of whether Budućnost could avoid falling below minus 18, a mark they had earlier set in Djerba and Bucharest.

The home side surged to plus 17 (31:14), and while Vanesa Agović helped narrow the score to 31:16 with two goals, Bittigheim sealed the match with a three-goal flourish, inflicting yet another blow on a team that has long been a source of pride for Podgorica and Montenegro.

Budućnost will now face an extended break, with national championship matches and a Cup final scheduled for May 21. The reality of this season being wasted is evident, as nearly all summer signings have been missteps, paving the way for a complete team overhaul.

Jelena Despotović is returning, but her debut will only occur against Rudar in the title matches. Đurđina Jauković and Nina Bulatović have been with the team since summer, alongside the arrival of Russian player Valerija Kirdyasheva, and several more reinforcements are anticipated.

However, the biggest club in Montenegro no longer attracts top talent as it once did, due to their significant decline, limiting them to a maximum of 20 matches per season.

Who will join a team that ended the season with a goal difference of minus 122, averaging 8.7 per game?

BITIGHEIM – THE FUTURE BEMAX 34:16 (19:7)

Ludwigsburg – “MHP Arena”. Attendees: 1,511. Referees: Bočakova and Janošikova (Slovakia). Penalties: Bitigheim 3 (3), Buducnost Bemax 0. Substitutions: Bitigheim 2, Buducnost Bemax 8 minutes.

Bittheim: Lenborg (2 saves), Dijas-Moreski (18 saves), Gasama-Sisoko 3, Dol 4 (3), Birtic 1, Smits 2, Kudlač-Gloc 3, Johansen 2, Hvenfelt 3, Dulfer 9, Anderson 2, Berend 2, Faluvegi 3.

The future of Bemax: Atingre (7 saves), Gigerih (3 saves), Marsenić 3, Marković 1, J. Vukčević 4, Godeč 2, Popović, Nijakate, Čališkan, Ivanović 1, Agović 3, Radević, Tomova, Kadović, Pavićević 1, N. Vukčević 1.

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