Apollon Smyrnis secured the final place in the 2026 Conference Cup Final Four with a commanding 15–10 victory over Mataro on the decisive final day in Athens, while Honved underlined their title credentials by completing the Quarter Final Stage unbeaten.
The Greek side knew victory was non-negotiable against Mataro, and they delivered under pressure. Led by Nikola Bogdanovic and Hannes Daube, who combined for 12 goals, Apollon made a flying start, racing into a 3–0 lead inside the opening minutes and setting the tone for the contest.
Although Mataro briefly threatened to close the gap early in the second half, reducing the deficit to one goal, Apollon responded immediately and never allowed the Spanish side back into the game. The hosts controlled the tempo throughout the second half, maintaining at least a two-goal cushion before pulling away late to seal a crucial five-goal win and second place in Group B.
Despite a heavy 20–13 defeat to Mornar on the same day, De Akker had already done enough to secure top spot in the group after two rounds, joining Apollon in the Final Four.
In Group A, the headline clash between Panionios and Honved lived up to expectations, with the Hungarian side producing another dominant display to claim a 15–12 victory and finish as the only unbeaten team of the Quarter Final Stage.
Honved laid the foundations early, storming into a 6–2 lead after the first quarter and maintaining control throughout the first half (10–6). Any hopes of a Panionios comeback were extinguished at the start of the third period, as Honved scored three unanswered goals to stretch the lead to 13–6. From there, the result was never in doubt.
Panionios fought until the end but were unable to recover from the early deficit, settling for second place in the group.
Elsewhere in Group A, Posillipo secured third place with a 17–13 win over Tenerife, powered by a decisive 9–3 opening quarter.
With the quarter-final stage complete, the lineup for the Final Four is now confirmed. The semifinals, set for May 2–3 at a venue yet to be announced, will see Honved face Apollon, while De Akker take on Panionios.
Results – Day 3
Group A
Panionios 12–15 Honved
Tenerife 13–17 Posillipo
Standings: 1. Honved 9, 2. Panionios 6, 3. Posillipo 3, 4. Tenerife 0
Group B
Apollon 15–10 Mataro
Mornar 20–13 De Akker
Standings: 1. De Akker 6, 2. Apollon 6, 3. Mataro 3, 4. Mornar 3
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