Buducnost lead Group 1 after beating Kobenhavn

Rostov-Don’s defeat against Metz on Saturday gave Buducnost a chance to climb to the first place in the group, and the Montenegrin champions reached the top position by beating Kobenhavn Handball 29:27.

• Buducnost now have eight points; one more than Rostov and Metz
• Kobenhavn stay in fourth place with three points
• Milena Raicevic scored eight goals for Buducnost
• Mai Kragballe Nielsen also scored eight for Kobenhavn

GROUP 1

Buducnost (MNE) vs Kobenhavn Handball (DEN) 29:27 (15:12)

Traditionally strong on their home court, Buducnost had won all three matches in Podgorica in the group phase. And the Montenegrin side continued that trend, ending up as winners in the EHF Champions League Main Round Group 1 clash against Kobenhavn.

Buducnost controlled the rhythm of the game from the opening minutes, playing fast and dynamic handball. Milena Raicevic’s early impact helped the home side to take a 4:2 lead five minutes into the game, and they kept an advantage throughout the first half, finishing it with a three-goal cushion (15:12).

The hosts continued to dominate early in the second half, but a series of their mistakes helped Kobenhavn to cut the deficit to 21:20 by the 45th minute. However, as Buducnost's goalkeepers Marina Rajcic and Darly Zoqbi de Paula denied all of the visitors’ attempts, Kobenhavn did not score a goal for the next six and a half minutes.

Clearly inspired, the Montenegrin team established a five-goal lead (27:22) four minutes from time, and Kobenhavn could not prevent Buducnost from taking the victory.

Post-match statements:

Dragan Adzic, Buducnost coach: "The coaching staff prepared this game for 70 days, knowing how difficult it is to play against a team that is in competition form – and having in mind that we were defeated at the start of the main round in the last three seasons. Last time we celebrated the victory at the beginning of the main round was in 2015, in the season when we won the trophy. This is the first step to the desired form."

Djurdjina Jaukovic, Buducnost left back: "Kobenhavn played a good match. We knew it was not going to be easy, but we got the maximum points and I'm happy with the game."

Claus Leth Mogensen, Kobenhavn Handball coach: "We are disappointed with the defeat, but there were many positive things. We played well in defence, created chances, but also missed – and it's the reason why we had three goals minus at the half-time. Buducnost were very intelligent and responded when we came to one goal minus in second half."

Mai Kragballe Nielsen, Kobenhavn Handball centre back: "These are the games we are dreaming about. We did not play as we can, but we have to be proud of how we played against a team that is practically a Montenegrin national team. I'm sorry we did not stay in the game until the end."