Two European powerhouses — FTC-Telekom and Pro Recco — will meet once again, this time in Budapest, to contest the 2025 Men’s Super Cup. Between them, they have lifted the last six Champions League titles, three each, and now they’ll battle for continental supremacy once more.
For Ferencváros, this is a chance to claim a sixth Super Cup title. For Recco, victory would mark a record-breaking 10th triumph — another potential milestone for the Italian giants.
A rivalry built on dominance
Since its revival in 2002, the Super Cup has been largely controlled by the Champions League winners, who have claimed 21 of the 22 titles on offer. The only exception came in 2018, when Ferencváros upset Olympiacos in a thrilling shootout — a victory that foreshadowed their eventual Champions League triumph later that same season.
That was the last time an Euro Cup winner outgunned Europe’s top team — but seven years later, history could repeat itself. After all, this is no ordinary Euro Cup champion. Recco’s return to the second-tier competition last season — after voluntarily stepping away from the Champions League — ended with the Italians lifting the trophy and booking a date with FTC for the Super Cup.
Familiar foes, familiar fire
The two sides have met countless times at the sport’s highest level, but this clash comes with added intrigue. Just weeks ago, they shared a joint tour of New York, playing two friendly encounters that reminded fans why this rivalry defines modern water polo.
Both matches ended in draws after regular time — 13–13 and 15–15 — with each team claiming one win apiece (FTC via shootout, Recco through Andrea Fondelli’s late strike). If those games were any indication, Wednesday night’s final at Komjádi Pool will be nothing short of spectacular.
Streaks and standards
Ferencváros have been nearly unstoppable in recent years. Their last regulation defeat came in April 2024 against Olympiacos, and since then, Balázs Nyéki’s side have amassed an astonishing 88–2 win-loss record across all competitions. Their last home defeat? May 2023, in a dead rubber against Sabadell.
Recco’s record is similarly remarkable. The 2024 Champions League final loss to FTC was their only regulation defeat of that season. In the 2024/25 campaign, they lost just once in Europe — to BVSC in Budapest — before going unbeaten through 14 straight Euro Cup matches, ultimately completing a domestic treble in Italy.
History on the line
FTC claimed the 2024 Super Cup after beating Jug Dubrovnik 13–9, marking their fifth win in the competition. Recco, meanwhile, have lifted the trophy nine times, their only defeat dating back to 1984, when POSK Split edged them 12–11 in their first-ever Super Cup final.
Ferencváros’ sole Super Cup defeat came in 2017, falling to Szolnok in a shootout. Otherwise, they’ve been flawless on this stage.
Both clubs arrive in Budapest with depth, confidence, and plenty of motivation. Their recent duels have produced tactical masterclasses, emotional swings, and elite-level execution — and this one promises more of the same.
What’s next
Before the final, a press conference on Tuesday (17:00–18:00 local time) will feature coaches Balázs Nyéki and Sandro Sukno, captains Soma Vogel and Francesco di Fulvio, alongside European Aquatics President Antonio Silva and Hungarian Water Polo Federation President Norbert Madaras.
Fans can watch the event live on FTC’s YouTube channel, and the final itself live on European Aquatics TV.
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