The handball team of Budućnost is set to face Danish Esbjerg in Podgorica for the seventh round of the Champions League tomorrow. These two teams will clash again just a week later in Denmark.

Coach Bojana Popović expressed concern over the team’s lack of game time, having not played in four weeks.

“In that period, the Esbjerg team played seven matches. Despite our efforts to simulate match conditions in practice, it just isn’t the same without 14 elite players pushing each other,” Popović stated during the press conference.

She also mentioned that some national team players have had limited playing time.

“We will strive to put up as much of a fight as possible, just like we did against other teams,” Popović added.

In her analysis of the opposing team, she identified Heni Rejstad as Esbjerg’s key player.

“We need to focus on our game and set a pace that suits us; that’s our only chance to contend with them. If we get dragged into a fast-paced game, it will be tough. I hope we can at least match them in one segment of the game and that the girls can improve through these back-to-back matches,” said Popović.

Addressing personnel issues, she indicated uncertainty regarding goalkeeper Sakura Hauge’s availability.

“Ana Popović suffered a severe thigh injury, so we will be short two players. It’s critical that we approach this match with the same fighting spirit we displayed against Djerba. We believe we can compete with anyone, as we always aim for tenacity on the field,” Popović concluded.

The match at the Morača hall is scheduled to kick off at 18:00.

In their last outing, Budućnost managed to secure a point against European champions Đer, while recording five losses. In contrast, Esbjerg has a record of four wins and two losses.

Esbjerg claimed victories against Odense, Rapido, Vipers, and Ludwigsburg, but lost to Djerba and Brest.

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