As the domestic football championship enters its third round, the summer heat is still in full force. Both Sutjeska and Dečić are leading with six points each, while the reigning champions Budućnost are struggling to find their rhythm.

With tonight’s away match against Arsenal in Tivat on the horizon, Budućnost’s coach, Nenad Lalatović, remains uncertain about the status of his left-back.

Ognjen Gašević recently transferred to Bulgarian CSKA 1948 for 120 thousand euros, utilizing a clause in his contract. However, the new president of Budućnost, Boris Spalević, later stated that the transfer had been thwarted for reasons that remain unclear.

Despite the confusion, the team still lacks a representative defender.

– There are conflicting reports on his status; some say he’s returning, others claim he’s staying, while some suggest he’s leaving entirely. Honestly, I don’t know where he is – stated Lalatović, who is also concerned about other missing players.

– I’m also anxious about not having Ivan Bulatović and Igor Ivanovic. We’re heading into a challenging away game, especially after our recent loss to Sutjeska, where we essentially scored an own goal. Our sole focus is on securing three points. However, it’s important to note that Arsenal is currently ahead of us in the standings by one point. They are a well-structured team, deploying a 3-4-3 formation, and they excel particularly in quick transitions and counter-attacks, bolstered by two skilled wing players and Vanja Vučićević, whom I hold in high regard – Lalatović added, maintaining his faith in the team.

– We need to reduce costly mistakes if we want to emerge victorious. Recall how we conceded the first goal to Noa in the Champions League qualifiers here in Podgorica, with five of our players around one opponent who ultimately scored. We also let in a goal in our first match against Milsami due to our own possession. No team has outplayed us this season, except for Jezero in the first half due to their superior fitness levels, though they are well known not to be our rivals – Lalatović remarked.

Sutjeska kicked off the domestic championship with a 3:0 victory over Mornar and followed it up with a 1:0 win over Budućnost. Their next challenger, Milija Savović, leads Petrovac, a team that bested Nikšić four times last season without conceding – 3:0, 2:0, and twice 1:0.

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The number of times Petrovac defeated Sutjeska last season: twice away at Bistrica (2:0 and 3:0), and twice at home (1:0 each).

The people of Petrovac owe a debt of gratitude to the residents of Nikšić.

– Petrovac is among the stronger teams in the league and has been stable for years. Although it won’t be an easy match, we aim to play aggressively and strive for victory, especially with our fans behind us. We want to keep the momentum going, having had a good result in the derby – Savović expressed.

Petrovac has kicked off the season maintaining the strong form from last season, finishing second overall. Under Zdravko Dragićević’s management, they currently hold four points after two matches, and a win against Bistrica would position them at the top.

– Given their performance last year, we must approach this game with respect and seriousness. I believe Petrovac will be at the forefront of the table this season and a formidable opponent – added the coach from Nikšić.

Aleksa Golubović joined Sutjeska from Petrovac this summer.

– We’ve started the season positively, even defeating Buducnost, which serves as additional motivation. The team atmosphere is excellent, and we are all working hard. Petrovac is a strong team and has proven their quality. We aim for victory and to secure three more points – said Golubović.

Dečić will face Mornar in Tuzi, where the hosts seek to maintain their European rhythm, while Barani aim for their first win.

Mladost Lob.Bet is set to host Jedinstvo Franca at the DG Arena, and Jezero will compete against Bokelj SBBet in Berane.

3rd Round Fixtures

LAKE – BOKELJ (20:00)

Referee: Nikola Vođević (Nikšić)

ARSENAL – BUDUĆNOST (20:00)

Referee: Savo Vujović (Cetinje)

DEČIĆ – MORNAR (20:00)

Referee: Miloš Bešović (Podgorica)

MLADOST DG – JEDINSTVO (20:00)

Referee: Nikola Dabanović (Podgorica)

SUTJESKA – PETROVAC (21:00)

Referee: Miloš Bošković (Podgorica)

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