The outcome of the travelator was handed over to the domestic teams Lovćen and Arsenal for their rematch on June 4th in Tivat, following a goalless draw of 0:0 in the first match of the Meridianbet 1st CFL at DG Arena.

This match, crucial yet lacking in risk, was filled with too many tactical fouls and backward passes, resulting in low excitement among a surprisingly large audience, primarily supporting Lovćen in their red jerseys.

Fans largely waited in vain for a thrilling moment until the 88th minute, when substitute Hinata Sakamaki misplayed a brilliant pass and failed to control the ball right in front of Bojan Zogović’s goal.

Despite the formal hosts showing signs of pressure with three corner kicks, only Nikola Tripković’s shot from 25 meters in the 90th minute is worth mentioning, as Zogović skillfully deflected it under the crossbar for another corner.

Up to that moment, Arsenal had appeared more threatening, operating primarily from the left, as Lovćen’s defense was effectively stifled by the vigorous Matija Pejović.

In the 25th minute, Hulijan Montenegro executed a stunning chest control from 17 meters on the left and instantly fired a left-footed shot which narrowly missed the far post.

In the first attack of the second half, Neđeljko Kovinić found himself with a great chance for a counterattack, entering the penalty area but hesitated to shoot, allowing Lovćen’s defenders to block and pass the ball to goalkeeper Šaban Kolić.

The most beautiful moment and the best opportunity for the guests came in the 68th minute, when Montenegro initiated an attack on the left, Armin Imamković delivered an excellent cross, and Kovinić’s header from 10 meters hit the post.

Meanwhile, the second pair of play-offs features Jezero and Rudar currently battling it out in Berane.

LOVCEN – ARSENAL 0:0

Podgorica – DG Arena. Attendance: 1,300. Referee: Miloš Savović. Yellow cards: Golubović (Lovćen), Manojlović (Arsenal).

Lovćen: Kolić – Golubović (from 77. Guzina), Perišić, Radusinović (from 88. Kalačević), Tripković – Pejović, Bujiša (from 77. Radović), Drmač (from 61. J. Vujović), Tabak – Vicković, Pavićević (from 61. Sakamaki).

Arsenal: Zogović – Pešukić, Petović, Nikolić, Bulatović (from 46. Obeng) – Manojlović, Šahman, Montenegro (from 73. Macanović), Imamović – Bulatović, Kovinić.

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