Great Victory for Jadran in Kragujevac

In the 4th round of Group B of the Champions League, Split's Jadran confidently defeated Kragujevac, beating the home team Radnički 14:11, and now they are on the verge of advancing to the second part of the competition among the best European clubs.
With three points from Kragujevac, and two rounds left in the group stage, our champion now has four points more than Radnički and two home games, against Dinamo and Ferencvaros. The match against the Georgian champion in Split (November 20) will be an opportunity for Jadran to mathematically confirm their advancement.

Two years ago, Jadran defeated Radnički in Kragujevac in the Champions League group stage, and that Jadran's victory was crucial for preventing Radnički from reaching the final tournament of the Champions League. Two years later, once again, Jadran proved to be fatal for the team from Šumadija. This time, the people of Split likely eliminated Radnički from the Champions League.

Coach Jure Marelja and his staff, along with the players, perfectly prepared for the match, analyzed the opponent, and practiced several attacking plays. Moreover, the people of Split maintained their concentration at the highest level throughout the entire 32 minutes. Without any relaxation, even when they took a 12-9 lead towards the end of the third quarter with a goal from Burić, which was then the biggest lead of our team. Coach Marelja had been warning his players for days about not relaxing because Radnički is a team that does not forgive, that does not give up easily and quickly. This time, however, they were truly... overwhelmed.

A wide range of scorers (in total 9), and a very, very good defense. The score was 14:11, but out of those 11 goals conceded, 3 were from penalty shots. Of course, every detail counts, but to concede only 8 from regular play, not counting penalty shots... That is worth emphasizing.
The opponent of the Croatian champion never led at any moment. The same scenario throughout the first and second quarter. Jadran takes the lead, Radnički levels the score - Jadran takes the lead, Radnički levels the score. Goal for goal.
In the middle of the third quarter, the first separation of Jadran by +2. Dužević from Zović’s pass for 9-7, then Fatović for 10-8 and Marinić Kragić with a man up for 11-9. After that goal, a great defense by Bijač who saves a shot from Petra Jakšić from 2 meters, and in the next Jadran's attack, Butić scores from the right wing. Diagonal for 12-9, plus 3 after the third quarter.

In the final quarter, the hosts tried something, they reduced the score to 12-10, five minutes before the end, enough for a possible comeback, but... Loren Fatović precisely receives the ball on the left wing, and scores in the bottom right corner for 13-10 with exactly 4.55 minutes left. Radnički 'cracked' there, to be 'knocked out' three minutes before the end by Berehulak on a counterattack for 14-10.

Congratulations to our champion!