The overture to the match of the season, against Novi Beograd, which is crucial for qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Champions League, was not good for the Jadran M:tel water polo players.
The team from Novalja suffered a heavy defeat at their home stadium, Škver, against Radnički in the 9th round of the Premier Regional League (21:13), in a match in which they were evenly matched until the first part of the third quarter.
Vladimir Gojković's team led 1:0 and 2:1, then was in the red the entire time, and in the third period it became clear that the home team would suffer a heavy defeat.
After Danilo Stupar reduced the lead to 11:9, Kragujevac's 6:0 run followed, almost securing an easy victory with the last eight minutes remaining.
Jadran reduced the deficit to 17:11, had an attack with two more players to get to minus five, and then fell again and allowed Radnički to create a double-digit difference and lead 21:11...
"We played very poorly both in attack and defense. We conceded a large number of goals in an unacceptable manner. All we have to do is analyze and turn to the next game, which is very important," said Jadran center Đorđe Lazić.
Radnički is the leader in the standings, while Jadran remains in fourth place and it is certain that after the ninth round they will be overtaken by their biggest rival Primorac, who will host Budućnost One on Saturday.
The Boka Kotorska teams each have 16 points, with Jadran having played a game more.
Srdjan Janovic was the most efficient in the Adriatic with four goals, while Danil Merkulov scored one less.
The winner was Novi native Andrija Prlainović with five goals, while former Montenegrin national team player Nikola Murišić scored three.
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