The Jadran m:tela water polo team was defeated tonight in Trebinje by Pro Reka 19:12, in the fifth round of Group B of the Champions League.
This is the third defeat for the Herceg Novi team this season, which also includes two triumphs.
Pro Reko, who won the first head-to-head match 16:7, recorded its fifth triumph and maintained its maximum performance in the competition so far.
The multiple European champions, after a tied first quarter (3:3), gained a four-goal lead (9:5) by the halfway point of the match.
"Apart from the first quarter, Pro Reko was much better and deservedly celebrated. We had several more opportunities in the second quarter to get back into the match, which we did not take advantage of. We also lost physically against players who have exceptional quality. Such matches are a great experience for our young team. We still need to grow to reach the level that Reko is at," said Novljan coach Vladimir Gojković.
He resolved all dilemmas in the third quarter, which he won 6:2 and increased the lead to eight goals (15:7) before the last eight minutes.
"It's hard to play against Pro Reko. You saw the energy, strength and quality of the shots. We didn't use the player well. If you don't take advantage of your chances, it's hard to stay in the game against a team like Pro Reko. We lost some duels easily, we had a lot of turnovers at certain moments of the game, especially in the third quarter," said Gojković.
In the Herceg Novi team, the most efficient player was Đorđe Lazić with three goals, while Jovan Vujović and Fran Valera added two each.
Bruce Irving was the best for the guests with five goals, while Fran Canelja scored the least.
Jadran will play against Novi Beograd in the final round.
Bonus video:
