The much-awaited Group Stage of the 2024/25 Champions League Men is almost upon us, with the first round of fixtures set for Tuesday and Wednesday.
This season brings exciting matches right from the start, with defending champions Ferencvaros and Final Four participants Novi Beograd in action. A new feature this year is the staggered scheduling, with all games split into two time slots to maximize fan engagement.
The champions of last season, FTC-Telekom Budapest, start their campaign against Dinamo Tbilisi, a match that appears favorable for the Hungarian powerhouse. Just days after their European Super Cup victory, Ferencvaros will look to carry their momentum forward, though they will be without some key players due to injuries.
Novi Beograd will face CSA Steaua Bucharest in their home opener. The Serbian side, who finished fourth in last year’s Final Four, are clear favorites and will aim for a strong start as they push for the top spot in Group A.
Meanwhile, Waspo 98 Hannover faces a challenging clash against Romania’s CSM Oradea. Both sides will be eyeing the second qualifying spot, making this an intense and high-stakes encounter.
Group B Showdown: Jadran Split vs. Radnicki
The 20:00 CET match between VK Jadran Split and SPD Radnicki is one of the highlights of the opening day. This encounter marks another chapter in the storied Croatian-Serbian rivalry, with both teams fielding several national players. Radnicki’s qualification featured thrilling comebacks, including an impressive 4-0 run against Mladost. Now, they travel to Split for a rematch of sorts, adding extra spice to this Group B clash.
Wednesday’s Thrillers
On Wednesday, the action continues with Barceloneta taking on Vasas in Group C. The Spanish side, bolstered by new signings, faces the Hungarian club making their return to the Champions League after a ten-year absence. While Vasas’ recent performances have not been as strong as in past seasons, the encounter in Barcelona promises plenty of intrigue, especially with former Vasas player Gergo Burian now on Barceloneta’s roster.
In the same group, CN Marseille faces a stern test against Jadran Herceg Novi, who proved their strength in the qualifiers, notably defeating Jug Dubrovnik. The French club will hope to build on their recent signings and aim for a successful Champions League run after two underwhelming seasons.
Group D: Balance of Power
Group D could prove to be the most competitive of all, with Olympiacos standing out as favorites, but the Greeks must stay alert in their opening match against Primorac Kotor.
Elsewhere, RN Savona hosts Astralpool Sabadell in a clash that could heavily influence the group’s final standings. Their recent history – including an epic penalty shootout in the 2022 Euro Cup quarter-finals – ensures this will be another thrilling encounter.
How to Watch
Fans can catch all the action from Round 1 for free via the EuroAquaticsTV platform. Stay up-to-date with live results, tables, and real-time updates through the European Aquatics App, available on Google Play.