Primorac Triumphs in Belgrade Qualification Tournament
The Montenegrin water polo team VK Primorac Kotor has successfully advanced to the main draw of the Champions League, securing the top spot in their qualification group after a dramatic victory over Serbian club VK Novi Beograd. The decisive match, held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia, saw Primorac emerge victorious with an 18:16 aggregate score following a penalty shootout.
Dramatic Encounter Culminates in Penalties
The highly anticipated clash between Primorac and Novi Beograd, both strong contenders in Group A of the Champions League Qualification Round, was a tightly contested affair. After a hard-fought regulation period, the score stood at an even 13:13. The match was characterized by numerous lead changes and intense moments. Primorac, coached by Anastasios Kehayas, initially fell behind but managed to take control, even establishing a three-goal lead at one point. However, Novi Beograd, playing on home turf, staged a comeback to level the score and force a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Heroics Secure First Place
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Primorac's players displayed exceptional composure. All five designated shooters for Primorac – Marko Mršić, Jusuke Inaba, Savo Ćetković, Balša Vučković, and Nikola Brkić – successfully converted their shots. The heroics of Primorac's goalkeeper, Dimitrije Ristićević, were pivotal, as he saved a crucial shot from Montenegrin national team player Đuro Radović of Novi Beograd, ultimately sealing the 5:3 penalty shootout win for the Kotor-based team. Marko Mršić was a standout performer in regulation time, contributing six goals.
Favorable Draw for Primorac in Champions League Group Stage
By finishing atop Group A, VK Primorac Kotor has earned a more advantageous position in the upcoming Champions League group stage. They will now compete in Group C, alongside formidable opponents such as Ferencvaros, Oradea, and Brescia. Meanwhile, Novi Beograd will face a challenging draw in Group B, where they are set to compete against Pro Recco, Jadran Split, and Jadran Herceg Novi. This victory marks a significant achievement for Primorac, ensuring their presence among Europe's elite water polo clubs for the 2025/26 season.
5 Comments
Habibi
Montenegro on top! This is a massive achievement for our water polo.
ZmeeLove
That refereeing looked questionable for Novi Beograd. Just saying.
Coccinella
Winning on penalties is just luck, not a true display of dominance.
Bermudez
The drama of the penalty shootout was thrilling for fans, showcasing both teams' fighting spirit. But you have to wonder if Primorac can consistently close out games without such nail-biting finishes in the future.
Africa
Mršić with 6 goals, an incredible performance! They fully deserved that top spot.