The clash carries additional significance because of the strong connections between the two clubs, particularly on the coaching benches. Novi Beograd are now managed by Croatian coach Zoran Bajić, who previously spent two spells in charge of Mladost before being replaced by his former assistant, Hrvoje Hrestak. The two coaches know each other's tactical approaches exceptionally well, adding another dimension to an already important European fixture.
The match will also mark the first meeting between Mladost and Novi Beograd in the Champions League. Although the clubs have previously faced each other in regional competition, they have never met at this level of continental water polo. With both sides competing in a challenging group alongside Jadran Split and European champions Barceloneta, every point could prove decisive in the battle for qualification to the next stage.
Mladost Arrive in Outstanding Form
Mladost travel to Belgrade with considerable confidence after producing two impressive performances against major Croatian rivals. Hrestak's team defeated Jug Adriatic Osiguranje 19–11 in Dubrovnik before securing a commanding 16–8 victory over Jadran Split in Zagreb, demonstrating both attacking efficiency and defensive discipline against experienced domestic opposition.
Those results underline the strength of the current Mladost squad, which has shown significant improvement under Hrestak's leadership. The Croatian champions have combined aggressive attacking play with a more organised defensive structure, allowing them to control important matches and maintain pressure on opponents throughout all four quarters.
The team have travelled to Serbia with their strongest available squad, giving Hrestak a full range of tactical options for the encounter. That will be particularly important against an opponent whose physical approach and attacking structure differ considerably from those of Croatian league rivals.
Novi Beograd currently occupy second place in the Serbian regional championship with eight victories and one defeat. Their only domestic setback came against Radnički Kragujevac, who secured an impressive 18–13 victory in Belgrade. However, the result must be viewed in context, as Radnički have assembled a squad featuring numerous Serbian internationals and are among the strongest teams in the region.
The Serbian runners-up also suffered a 15–12 defeat against Barceloneta in their Champions League opener. Despite the loss, Novi Beograd remained competitive for significant periods before the Spanish champions established a decisive three-goal advantage during the third quarter. That performance demonstrated that Bajić's team possess the quality to challenge elite European opposition, even when facing some of the continent's strongest clubs.
Hrestak Identifies Novi Beograd's Biggest Threats
Mladost coach Hrvoje Hrestak has emphasised the importance of defensive discipline against a Serbian side known for its physical strength and structured attacking play. Unlike some Croatian teams that rely heavily on speed and quick transitions, Novi Beograd combine aggressive contact, strong centre-forward play and experienced perimeter shooters.
Among the players Hrestak has identified as particularly dangerous is veteran Miloš Ćuk, whose international experience makes him an important figure in the Serbian team's attacking organisation. The 35-year-old remains capable of influencing matches through intelligent movement, precise passing and powerful shooting.
Vasilije Martinović represents another significant threat, particularly from the left side, where his shooting ability can create problems for opposing defences. However, perhaps the most demanding challenge for Mladost will come from Montenegrin centre-forward Miroslav Perković, who is regarded as one of the strongest players in his position in European water polo.
Perković's physical presence allows Novi Beograd to establish dangerous attacking positions close to goal, forcing defenders into difficult situations and creating opportunities for exclusions or high-percentage shots. His ability to maintain position under pressure could become particularly important against a Mladost defence that, despite recent improvement, still features several relatively inexperienced players.
Hrestak has acknowledged that containing Perković will represent an important examination for his defensive unit. The Croatian coach believes his players have made considerable progress during training and recent matches, but recognises that facing an internationally established centre-forward presents a different level of difficulty.
The encounter will therefore provide an opportunity to assess whether Mladost's defensive improvements can translate into success against elite European opposition. Effective communication, disciplined positioning and avoiding unnecessary exclusions will be essential if the Croatian champions hope to limit Novi Beograd's attacking influence.
Former Mladost Coaches Prepare for Tactical Battle
One of the most fascinating aspects of the encounter is the relationship between Hrvoje Hrestak and Zoran Bajić. The two Croatian coaches previously worked together at Mladost, with Hrestak serving as Bajić's assistant before eventually succeeding him as head coach.
Bajić's departure from Mladost came during the previous season, when the Zagreb club decided to make a coaching change following disappointing results and concerns about the team's attacking efficiency. Despite that decision, Bajić remained highly respected for his work with Croatian water polo and his achievements in international youth competitions.
His appointment at Novi Beograd represented a significant new chapter in his coaching career. The Serbian club have established themselves as one of Europe's leading teams in recent seasons, reaching three Champions League finals in 2022, 2023 and 2025. Although the squad underwent considerable changes during the summer, including the arrival of younger players, their ambitions remain firmly focused on competing for major honours.
Bajić's knowledge of Mladost could provide Novi Beograd with a tactical advantage. Having coached several members of the Zagreb squad and worked closely with Hrestak, he understands their strengths, weaknesses and preferred attacking patterns. However, that familiarity works in both directions, with Hrestak equally aware of his former colleague's coaching philosophy and tactical preferences.
The match also features another familiar connection through Luka Bajić, Zoran's son, who joined Novi Beograd during the summer after previously representing Mladost and Solaris. His presence adds another personal element to the encounter, which promises to be as interesting on the coaching benches as it is in the pool.
The tactical battle between the two coaches could ultimately influence the outcome. While Bajić may seek to exploit Mladost's relative inexperience in defensive situations, Hrestak will attempt to use his team's recent momentum, attacking confidence and improved organisation to challenge the Serbian hosts.
Crucial Champions League Points at Stake
Both clubs compete in Group C of the Champions League alongside Croatian representatives Jadran Split and defending European champions Barceloneta. The group is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the tournament, with several teams possessing the quality to challenge for qualification to the quarter-final stage.
Mladost began their campaign with a convincing victory against Jadran, giving the Zagreb club an encouraging start. Novi Beograd, meanwhile, are still searching for their first points after losing to Barceloneta in Spain, making the home encounter particularly important for their ambitions.
A victory in Belgrade would represent a major step forward for Mladost and strengthen their position in the group. However, the Croatian champions must avoid underestimating an opponent that has consistently competed at the highest European level and remains dangerous despite recent squad changes.
The match is scheduled for October 28 at 8:30 p.m. Central European Time at the 11 April Sports Centre in Belgrade, with live television coverage available on Arena Sport 4.
Mladost will then face another demanding challenge when they travel to Barcelona for their next Champions League fixture on November 11. The upcoming schedule underlines the importance of securing points whenever possible, particularly against direct rivals for qualification.
For Hrestak and his players, the encounter against Novi Beograd offers an opportunity to demonstrate that their impressive domestic performances can be reproduced against internationally established opposition. Their convincing victories over Jug and Jadran have created positive momentum, but competing successfully against the Serbian runners-up will require another level of concentration and tactical discipline.
The clash between Mladost and Novi Beograd promises much more than an ordinary Champions League group-stage match. It brings together two ambitious teams, a pair of Croatian coaches with an extensive shared history and several players capable of deciding the contest through individual quality. For Mladost, a positive result in Belgrade would strengthen their European ambitions and provide further evidence that the Zagreb club are ready to challenge the continent's leading water polo teams.
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