The Jadran water polo team faces their final Champions League match, visiting Crvena Zvezda. While neither team can advance to the knockout stage, the match carries significance.

If Jadran secures three points (thus winning during regular time), they could clinch third place in their group, which may benefit them during the Eurocup draw, potentially leading to an easier opponent.

To date, Jadran has managed to earn two points in five matches, specifically from their victory over Zvezda in Trebinje, which they won after five minutes. They suffered defeats against Ferencvaros and Jadran from Split, who had already secured the top two spots.

– A victory would be significant for the Eurocup, but I believe it would boost our self-confidence even more. We faced Belgrade and had a tough match against them; I hold that team in high regard. Zvezda plays with a distinct style, characterized by physical strength and a slower tempo. Our approach contrasts sharply, and it’s evident that the team that imposes its own rhythm will be closer to victory – stated Jadran’s coach Petar Radanović.

On Thursday, the Škver team defended their title in the Montenegro Cup, decisively defeating Primorac 15:10 in the final.

– This trophy encapsulates our achievements from the first part of the season. Recently, our performance has improved significantly, and the Cup final was a testament to that – Radanović noted.

He admitted that he did not foresee such a convincing win in the Bokele derby.

– I was gearing the team for a tough match that could remain uncertain until the end. Primorac had shown excellent form in the Eurocup, and cup matches can be unpredictable – motivation, immediate inspiration, and the smallest details can change the outcome. Nevertheless, we played with great maturity; we weren’t rattled by the “intensity” at the end of the first quarter. In fact, it seemed to unify us more in the water. After that moment, we improved our play and convincingly defended our title, which truly means a lot to us – Radanović added.

Radanović is optimistic that Jadran’s best performances are ahead of them.

– I believe we will be even stronger in the upcoming part of the season. In the Eurocup, we can compete with anyone, much like we did in the Champions League, despite four losses. In Trebinje, we lost by just one goal to Jadran from Split and missed a golden opportunity with a 9:8 lead… Had we won that match, we might have been fighting for second place now. That defeat substantially hindered us because the team struggled in various aspects. However, we are finding our way again, and we need to maintain faith in our efforts. With that belief, results will follow – concluded Radanović.

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