Radnicki one step away from the title: Kragujevac players have the first match point against Novi Beograd

Radnički Kragujevac are just one win away from claiming the Serbian water polo title. The Šumadija-based team lead Novi Beograd 2–0 in the Super League playoff final series and will have their first chance to secure the championship trophy on Thursday at 17:30 in front of their home fans.

Radnički have taken control of the final series in impressive fashion. They first defeated Novi Beograd convincingly in Kragujevac, 15–10, before producing a major away win in Belgrade, 13–11. In the second game, Radnički controlled large parts of the contest and at one stage held a six-goal advantage, giving them plenty of confidence ahead of the third meeting.

The final series is played in a best-of-five format, meaning Radnički can finish the job with one more victory. However, there is no room for complacency in the Kragujevac camp, especially against a side with the quality, depth and experience of Novi Beograd.

Serbian national team player Viktor Rašović, one of Radnički’s key figures, stressed that the series is not over yet and that full concentration will be required.

“Victory against Novi Beograd was a big step for us, but the final series is not over and we are all very aware of that. In both games we showed quality and deserved to win, but now the most important thing is to stay fully focused and avoid any kind of relaxation. Novi Beograd are a top team, with many quality and experienced players, and against such an opponent you have to be concentrated from the first to the last minute,” Rašović said.

An additional motivation for Radnički is the chance to lift the championship trophy in front of their own supporters. The backing from the stands has been one of the team’s major strengths throughout the season, and the club expects another packed pool in Kragujevac.

“We have huge motivation to finish the job in front of our fans and win the trophy in Kragujevac. It would certainly be a special feeling for all of us, and we will do everything to make it happen in this game. Our fans have been with us all season, even in difficult moments and in matches that did not go the way we wanted. They truly gave us extra energy, and that is why we want to repay them in the best possible way,” Rašović added.

He also said he expects another outstanding atmosphere as Radnički fight for the title.

“The atmosphere in the first game was incredible, and I would love to see a full pool again on Thursday, with the kind of support Kragujevac knows how to provide. We will give everything we have to bring another championship title to our city,” Rašović concluded.

Admission to the match is free, but due to huge interest, the club has urged supporters to arrive at the pool at least half an hour before the start.