Fit FTC claim two points in Podgorica

The game in Podgorica was expected to be very tight, yet the reality was different – the fit players of FTC seized the initiative from the opening minutes and went on to get two points.

• FTC boast a perfect record in the main round, having won all three matches
• Buducnost have yet to claim points at home in the current stage of the tournament
• Katarina Bulatiovic was Buducnost’s leading scorer with seven goals; Zita Szucsanszki scored the same number for FTC

GROUP 1

Buducnost (MNE) vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN) 25:33 (9:19)

Both teams will hardly miss an opportunity to reach the EHF Champions League quarter-final, yet their clashes – now and the return fixture in Budapest – might play a big role in distributing places in Group 1.

Buducnost lack efficiency

The epidemic of injuries is definitely taking a toll on Buducnost, as the team lack power and quality without Milena Raicevic, Suzana Lazovic and Durdina Malovic.

And Katarina Bulatovic is fit but inconsistent. Against FTC, she converted just two of her eight attempts in the first half. Overall, Buducnost had a poor 39% shot efficiency before the break, as their players lost control of too many balls and Blanka Biro once again did well in the visitors’ goal.

Led by the unstoppable centre back, Zita Szucsanszki, whose powerful shots were a big problem for the hosts, FTC gradually extended their advantage to 11:5 midway through the first half and they reached a double-digit lead at the break.

FTC win in style again

Bulatovic improved her game in the second half and finished the match as Buducnost’s top scorer with seven goals. However, the visitors stayed focused and were not about to squander their advantage.

The Hungarian team had impressed in the previous games of the main round as they defeated Metz in France and then recorded an eight-goal victory against THC. This time, they won in style once again, cementing their hold on the second place in Group 1.

With eleven points, FTC are only behind Vardar in the table, while the third-placed Buducnost stay on eight points and have yet to claim their first home win in the main round.

History repeating itself for Buducnost

It is the first time that Buducnost have conceeded two losses at home since their 2012/13 season, when they lost to Györi and Larvik. Additionally, for the first time since their 2007/08 season, Buducnost have given up more than 30 goals in two different matches at home.

Post-match comments:

Dragan Adzic, Head Coach Buducnost: ''I do not remember such a bad performance from our team and the responsibility is mine. No one could have expected the performance that we have provided in the first 30 minutes. We've done everything to prepare for the FTC, as we have done for many years, but we have not succeeded and we know who is responsible - that's me.''
 
Djurdjina Jaukovic, Buducnost player: ''FTC earned a convincing victory and we did not respect the agreement. Our defence was not at the required level, especially in the first half. We weren't aggressive on defence; tonight everything was at a low level. We missed too many opportunities in the attack, in which we were in good positions.''
 
Gabor Elek, Head Coach FTC – Rail Cargo Hungaria: ''We played the way I wanted and how we talked about it before the match. The difference in the performance of the two goalkeepers may have been decided the winner, but the final result is not a realistic balance of power between the two teams and it is surprising for us. I expect that Buducnost in Budapest will provide a significantly better performance.''