Get ready for some real football drama from Yerevan! Budućnost, our pride from Podgorica, suffered a painful 1-0 defeat against Armenian side Noa in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. Yes, you read that right – 1-0! While the score might suggest a tight, uneventful match, the truth is Budućnost had their chances but nerves and a handful of yellow cards cast a shadow over their performance.
Right from the start, Noa took the initiative and kept pressing. Our goalkeeper Mijatović made some great saves, but Omar scored a stunning goal from 20 meters in the 68th minute to seal the win for the hosts. Bulgarian referee Činkov was not kind to our players – handing out four yellow cards, including one to Bulatović for simulation! Was the referee too harsh, or were our players just too nervous? You decide.
Budućnost had a big chance in the 34th minute when Ivanović fired a shot, but Noa’s keeper Čančarević was up to the task. The first half ended goalless, but the excitement didn’t stop there. Coach Nenad Lalatović gave Strumija a chance in the 49th minute, but his shot went wide. The return leg is set for seven days from now in Podgorica, where Budućnost must show their teeth and make up for this loss in front of their home crowd.
Before the match, Noa’s sporting director showed true sportsmanship by presenting a commemorative jersey to the son of the recently deceased FK Budućnost president, Andrija Delibašić. A touching gesture in tough times.
So, what’s the takeaway? Budućnost lost, but they’re not broken. Noa showed strength on their home turf, but Podgorica awaits the return leg with high hopes. Will our boys bounce back? Or will the Armenians continue to dominate? Drop your thoughts below – maybe you’ve got the winning formula! Who knows, maybe it’s time to join the banter or crack a joke about the referee’s calls. Football is a game, but the emotions are real!
