Buducnost Wastes Three-Point Lead in Final Minutes but Moves Forward
Sometimes a three-point lead with just three minutes remaining isn’t enough: Tanja Ivanović during the match against Rapid, Photo: Luka Stanković/ŽRK Budućnost
Despite a promising start, Buducnost missed out on the Champions League playoffs. With only three minutes left in the group stage, it seemed like “Morač” would witness at least two more matches this season…
Leading the match at 21:18 and holding a two-point advantage until the final two minutes, the stage was set for a grand celebration. Unfortunately, Bojana Popović’s squad made uncharacteristic errors, allowing Rapid to come back into contention.
Rapid leveled the score at 21:21 thanks to Sorina Grozav’s penalty shot, sealing an unexpected draw.
This tumultuous Champions League season ended in disappointment for Buducnost, leaving them unable to advance for a second consecutive year, even with Vipers’ closure.
Buducnost delivered a stellar first half, maintaining composure even when Rapid closed the three-goal gap. They responded well, with captain Ivona Pavićević scoring from a challenging position and Jelena Radivojević hitting a pivotal last-second shot, heading into halftime at 12:9.
At the beginning of the second half, Buducnost could have widened their lead, but Rapid kept fighting back, narrowing the gap to 13:12.
Another strong response from Jelena Radivojević and Ivona Pavićević boosted the lead to 15:12. However, Rapid quickly leveled the score at 15:15, capitalizing on Buducnost’s numerous mistakes.
The long scoring drought for Buducnost finally ended with goals from Nina Bulatović, Jelena Radivojević, and Tanja Ivanović, giving the Montenegrin team a crucial 21:18 lead with three minutes left.
It seemed they were on the verge of victory…
But Rapid’s Polman and Grozav swiftly closed the gap to 21:20. Buducnost had a chance to secure the win, but Tanja Ivanović attempted a risky pass that allowed Rapid to equalize and steal a draw.
Grozav converted the penalty, capping off a disappointing season for Buducnost and raising many questions for the future.
FINAL SCORE – RAPID 21:21 (12:9)
Location: Podgorica – M:tel Hall “Morača”. Audience: 800. Referees: Barisas and Petrusis (Lithuania). Penalties: Buducnost 3 (1), Rapid 1 (4). Suspensions: Buducnost 4, Rapid 2 minutes.
Buducnost Roster: Atingre (nine saves), Hauge, Marsenić, Monti-Danijelson, Vukčević 7 (3), Mitrović, Godeč, Popović, Marković, Ivanović 3, Radevic, Bulatović 3, Tomova, Radivojević 4, Kadović 1, Pavicević 3.
Rapid Roster: Ćuka, Sandru (15 saves and two penalties), Gonzalez, Gorškova 2, Bućeski 1, Kasoma 3, Tulea, Kujate 4, Koršoš 6, Stojka, Fernandes, Hernandez, Polman 1, Janjušević 3, Ristovska, Grozav 1 (1).
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