Mladost has three match points for the title against the three-time defending champions

Vaterpolo klub Mladost has the first of three opportunities to clinch the Croatian water polo championship title on their home pool this evening, aiming for their first championship since 2021. The Zagreb-based club currently leads the final series 2-0 against the three-time defending champions, Jadran.

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We put what they say in the cat's ear, because in that final five years ago, we were in the same situation they are in now. Back then, we lost the first two games, and we played the third away, which we won. Moreover, we turned the situation around, won three in a row, and won the title.

Reflecting on a similar situation five years ago when Mladost overcame a 0-2 deficit to win the title, representative Franko Lazić dismissed Jadran's claims of Mladost being the stronger team. "We put what they say in the cat's ear," Lazić stated, recalling Mladost's comeback victory. He highlighted the need to focus on Jadran's individual counter-attackers and the skilled Butić, who often scores after being fouled.

Mladost coach Hrvoje Hrestak acknowledged the surprising 2-0 lead but urged his team to avoid euphoria, emphasizing readiness to lose if outplayed. "It's a nice opportunity to win the title in front of our fans, and if necessary, it can be in the fourth or fifth game. Either way, as long as we win," he said. Hrestak attributed the team's strong finishes in the first two games to their squad depth and the contributions of all 14 players.

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It's a nice opportunity to win the title in front of our fans, and if necessary, it can be in the fourth or fifth game. Either way, as long as we win.

The conversation also touched upon Mladost's past European campaigns, with Hrestak noting that the team could have performed better in the Champions League. He dismissed the idea of targeting the EuroCup, which Mladost won a quarter-century ago with a team including notable players like Školneković and Hinić. Luka Lončar, a prominent player who is set to leave for Olympiacos next season, expressed his focus on the upcoming third game, anticipating emotional farewells after the series concludes. Coach Tucak has also indicated a generational shift, potentially marking this as a double farewell year for Lončar.

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This moment, I don't look at it as a potentially last game in my city, and when it ends, I will probably be emotional about it. Right now, I am only interested in the best possible performance in this third game because otherwise, I would not approach the match with a cool head.