The 2025/2026 volleyball season kicked off spectacularly in Podgorica, featuring a Super Cup clash that had to be replayed. Initially postponed on Tuesday at SC Topolica with Budućnost leading 22:21 due to a leaking roof, the entire match was rescheduled and played from scratch at the Verde Sports Complex. Spectators were treated to an enthralling contest from the first serve.
Budućnost secured the tightly contested first set 25-22. The second set saw an impressive turnaround, as Budućnost overcame a 19-14 deficit against Budva. This comeback was largely thanks to effective attacks and a strategic shift in play, notably after young setter Milošević entered the game. This pivotal momentum change led to a 25-23 victory, giving Budućnost a commanding 2-0 lead.
However, Budva, demonstrating true championship resilience, dominated the third set with a decisive 25-13 win. Their resurgence was significantly spurred by Luka Babić`s powerful serves, which established a considerable 16-6 lead. The fourth set began well for Budućnost, who raced to a 7-2 lead, but Budva, again fueled by Babić`s serving prowess, orchestrated another strong comeback to claim the set 25-20, thus leveling the match at two sets all and setting up a thrilling decider.
In the exhilarating decisive fifth set, Budućnost showcased superior composure and skill under pressure. After the crucial change of ends, they built a 9-6 advantage, maintaining solid defense and consistently converting opportunities into precise attacks to seal a 15-9 victory and proudly claim the Super Cup title.
Four Budućnost players achieved double-digit scores, highlighting their collective effort. Aleksa Nikolić topped the charts with an impressive 15 points. Young opposite Luka Lojić, with his crucial 14 points, earned the well-deserved MVP award, which was presented by Ivan Ječmenica, Director of Men`s National Teams at the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro (OSCG). Marko Vukašinović and Marko Sinđelić also made significant contributions, each scoring 12 points for the victorious side.
For the Budva team, Matija Ćinćur stood out as their leading scorer with 14 points. Vukašin Cimbaljević added 12 points, and young talent Vuk Stanojević contributed eight points to their commendable effort.
The official trophy presentation saw OSCG President Nikola Kažić formally award the Super Cup trophy to Budućnost captain Jovan Delić. The victorious players and coaching staff of Budućnost proudly received their gold medals from OK Budućnost Director Zoran Vukčević and Capital City Secretary for Sports Darko Nikčević. Meanwhile, Budva`s team was awarded silver medals by OSCG National Teams Directors Ksenija Božović and Ivan Ječmenica, with Budva captain Balša Radunović receiving a finalist`s plaque from OSCG Board Administration Member Petar Vukčević, acknowledging their valiant performance.
Special awards for the match officials – supervisor Ana Ivanović and referees Sonja Simonovska and Predrag Beljkaš – were presented by OSCG Competition Commissioner Nikola Pješčić, recognizing their essential role in the thrilling contest.
