Last night in Podgorica, Budućnost footballers played the second leg of the first qualifying round of the Champions League against Armenian side Noa, ending in a 2-2 draw. Despite their fighting spirit and giving their all, the Montenegrin champions failed to advance to the next round. The first leg in Armenia ended with Noa winning 1-0, which decided the overall outcome.
Noa took the lead early in the 6th minute with a goal from Omar, and Budućnost was reduced to ten men in the 17th minute after Ivan Bulatović was sent off for two yellow cards. However, Budućnost did not give up. Alen Grgić equalized in the 20th minute, and in the second half, Ivan Ivanović gave the team hope with a stunning 20-meter strike in the 68th minute. Finally, Petar Grbić scored in the first minute of added time to level the score at 2-2, but it was not enough to progress.
Goalkeeper Filip Domažetović made a brilliant penalty save in the 89th minute, further raising hopes, but the aggregate result was not in Budućnost’s favor. Budućnost will continue their European campaign in the Conference League qualifiers, where they will face Moldovan champions Milsami.
The match was full of tension, with fans showing great support despite some incidents in the stands. Coach Nenad Lalatović and the players gave their all, but football can be cruel. Budućnost showed character, but luck and the result were not on their side.
If you thought this was the end, wait and see how Budućnost will respond in the Conference League! What do you think, was Bulatović’s red card the turning point? Or was Noa simply better? Drop your thoughts and let the fans’ voices be heard!
