A spectacular volleyball match in Podgorica heralded the start of the 2025/2026 season. The initial fixture, held at SC Topolica, was interrupted on Tuesday with Budućnost leading 22:21 due to a leaking roof. The game was consequently replayed from the beginning at the Verde Sports Complex, promising an unmissable spectacle for the fans.
The opening set was closely contested, but Budućnost showed stronger nerves in the crucial moments, securing a 25-22 win and taking a 1-0 lead. In the second set, the Podgorica squad mounted a remarkable comeback. Budva had established a significant 19:14 lead with captain Radunović serving, but Budućnost, spurred by a series of excellent attacks and a strategic change in rhythm, especially after the introduction of young setter Milošević, turned the tide to win 25-23, extending their lead to 2-0.
However, the champions from Budva demonstrated their resilience. They completely dominated the third set, with Luka Babić`s powerful serves helping them establish a double-digit lead of 16:6, ultimately closing the set effortlessly at 25-13. The fourth set saw Budućnost start strongly, leading 7:2, but Budva, once again propelled by Babić`s serving prowess, fought back to reverse the score and equalize the match at 2-2 with a 25-20 win.
In the thrilling decisive fifth set, Budućnost showcased their superior strength and composure. After the side switch, they surged ahead to a 9:6 lead, maintained solid defense, capitalized on their opportunities, and sealed the victory with a succession of precise attacks, winning the set 15-9 and the match.
Four players from the victorious Podgorica team scored in double figures. Aleksa Nikolić led with an impressive 15 points. Young opposite Luka Lojić was named MVP of the Super Cup after contributing 14 points; his trophy was presented by Ivan Ječmenica, Director of Men’s National Teams at the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro (OSCG). Marko Vukašinović and Marko Sinđelić each added 12 points to the winning effort.
For Budva, Matija Ćinćur was their top scorer with 14 points, while Vukašin Cimbaljević and the promising young player Vuk Stanojević contributed 12 and 8 points, respectively.
The prestigious trophy was presented to Budućnost captain Jovan Delić by OSCG President Nikola Kažić. Gold medals were awarded to the Budućnost players and coaching staff by OK Budućnost Director Zoran Vukčević and Darko Nikčević, Secretary for Sports of the Capital City.
Silver medals for the Budva team were presented by OSCG Directors of National Teams Ksenija Božović and Ivan Ječmenica. Budva captain Balša Radunović received a finalist’s plaque from Petar Vukčević, an OSCG Board Administration Member.
Special awards were also given to the match officials: supervisor Ana Ivanović and referees Sonja Simonovska and Predrag Beljkaš, presented by OSCG Competition Commissioner Nikola Pješčić.
In related news, the Women’s Super Cup last week saw Luka BAR defeat OK HERCEG NOVI 3-1 in the final, ending the long-standing dominance of their biggest domestic rivals.
Finley Blackwood