FTC through after win in Podgorica

FTC secured their quarter-final ticket on Saturday evening with a narrow 24:23 away win against Buducnost, which saw their perfect home record come to an end.

The Women’s EHF Champions League Quarter-finalists from Group 2 are now known after Vardar and Metz had already booked their spots.

• FTC join Metz on 10 points, with Metz playing leaders Vardar on Sunday

• Buducnost dropped their first points at home this European season

• Buducnost’s Milena Raicevic became top scorer with eight goals

GROUP 2

Buducnost (MNE) vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN) 23:24 (12:12)

Buducnost had not dropped a point at home during the current EHF Champions League campaign. But FTC were arguably the strongest rival to play in Podgorica so far, and they proved it by claiming two important points.

Both sides defended well early in the game, and they just exchanged goals before Buducnost capitalized on FTC’s mistakes and created a two-goal lead (8:6) in the 16th minute.

The visitors responded well by pulling in front 10:9, and the game was balanced again as the teams were level at 12:12 after the first half.

The second half followed the same scenario, which found reflection in the score – 16:16 in the 40th minute, 18:18 five minute later, 21:21 in the 51th minute.

But Buducnost could not hold their nerve as they missed two penalty shots – Djurdjina Jaukovic’s attempt was saved by Blanka Biro, and a few minutes later Cristina Laslo threw wide.

Those misses proved costly for the home side as FTC took a 24:22 lead, and although Buducnost slashed the gap to 24:23, they could not do more.

No team could score during the final two and a half minutes as Jaukovic missed a couple of chances to draw level, including a free throw after the final buzzer.

Post-match statements:

Dragan Adzic, Buducnost coach: "FTC achieved the victory for the second year in a row and they are one of the few teams against whom we have a negative score. Experience and quality are on their side."

Itana Grbic, Buducnost left wing: "I am proud we stayed in the game until the last second but we don't have enough experience yet."

Gabor Elek, FTC coach: "We have more experienced players than our opponents. We could count on strength and rotation, and this was out advantage."