Novljan Showcases Team and Overcomes Radnički Ahead of LŠ Battle
Ivović dons the Jadran cap after 14 years: during the match against Radnički, Photo: Vuk Ilić
A promising start to the new season, especially with the Champions League battle commencing next week…
The Jadran Mtela water polo team triumphed over the newly strengthened Radnički from Kragujevac (11:9), showcasing a revamped lineup, while club legends Aleksandar Ivović and Vladimir Gojković joyously celebrated their return to Škver.
Ivović returned to play for the Herceg Novi club after a 14-year absence, following a successful stint with Pro Rek, while Gojković came back to Jadran after stepping down from his role as the Montenegrin national team’s coach this summer.
“It was an intense men’s match filled with countless duels – I commend the boys for their excellent performance; we certainly looked solid in the pool,” Gojković remarked to RTVHN.
The opening match for the new Jadran squad was highlighted by Dmitrij Holod and Danilo Radović, who each scored three goals. Vasilije Radović, Vuk Milojević, Matija Sladović, Đorđe Lazić, and Uroš Vučurović all added a goal each to the scoreboard.
On the opposing team, coached by Uroš Stevanović, who recently guided Serbia to Olympic gold, Strahinja Rašović found the net five times, Nikola Jakšić three times, while Radomir Drašović and Nemanja Stanojević both scored once.
Jadran will begin their Champions League qualification on Thursday in Dubrovnik against Banja Luka, with rival teams including the local Jug, Barcelona, and Dinamo from Bucharest.
Only the victor will advance to the elite group featuring Barceloneta, Marseille, and Vasas.
“Against Radnički, it was evident the team possessed desire and unity, eagerly anticipating crucial matches in the Champions League qualifiers,” Gojković added.
Aleksandar Ivović wore the Jadran cap for the first time since 2010.
“The feeling is amazing. We faced a formidable opponent with top-tier players. This performance is gratifying, and we hope to maintain this momentum,” Ivović expressed.
This season, the Jadran roster will include Darko Đurović, Dmitrij Holod, Uroš Vučurović, Dimitrije Obradović, Jovan Vujović, Danilo Radović, Đorđe Lazić, Damjan Vujičić, Aleksandar Ivović, Matija Sladović, Vuk Milojević, Vasilije Radović, and Ilija Radović.
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