Europe’s top water polo teams are gearing up for their next Champions League challenges as Day 2 of the group stage approaches.
With fierce competition in every group, fans can expect intense battles and crucial points at stake. Two matchups stand out as the must-watch clashes of the week: defending champions Ferencváros travel to face Radnički Kragujevac, while two first-round winners, Sabadell and Olympiacos, square off in Group D.
Here’s a look at the exciting fixtures for Day 2 of the Champions League Men’s group stage.
Champions League Men – Group Stage Fixtures: Day 2
All times are CET.
Group A (Tuesday)
18:15 Steaua Bucharest (ROU) vs. Waspo 98 Hannover (GER)
20:00 CSM Oradea (ROU) vs. Novi Beograd (SRB)
Group B (Tuesday)
18:15 Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO) vs. Jadran Split (CRO)
20:00 Radnički Kragujevac (SRB) vs. FTC-Telekom Budapest (HUN)
Group C (Wednesday)
18:15 Jadran mHerceg Novi (MNE) vs. Zodiac CNA Barceloneta (ESP)
20:00 Vasas-Plaket (HUN) vs. CN Marseille (FRA)
Group D (Wednesday)
18:15 KEIO CN Sabadell (ESP) vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
20:00 Primorac Kotor (MNE) vs. RN Savona (ITA)
Group A Action in Romania
Group A shifts to Romania this week, with both Steaua Bucharest and CSM Oradea playing their first home matches. After a spirited performance in Novi Beograd last week, where Steaua matched the Serbs for three quarters, they will be considered favorites against Waspo Hannover.
Meanwhile, Oradea, fresh off an impressive win in Hannover, will host Novi Beograd. Despite the Serbs not being as dominant as in previous seasons, they will still pose a significant challenge for Oradea.
Group B: Radnički vs. Ferencváros – The Top Match
All eyes will be on Group B’s top match between Radnički Kragujevac and the reigning champions, Ferencváros. Radnički almost secured a win in Split last week but were denied by a last-second goal. Playing at home, the Serbians will look to build on that performance and prove themselves dangerous challengers.
Ferencváros, on the other hand, are riding a remarkable winning streak, having gone 40-1 across all competitions last season. They’ve started this season 5-0, but their visit to Kragujevac presents their toughest test yet. They will need to be at their best to keep their unbeaten run intact.
Jadran Split, after surviving their tight opener against Radnički, will travel to Georgia for what looks like a more favorable matchup against Dinamo Tbilisi. However, in the unpredictable world of water polo, no victory is guaranteed.
Group C: Tough Matches Ahead
Zodiac CNA Barceloneta will look to continue their strong form after an 18-goal onslaught against Vasas last week. However, their trip to Herceg Novi to face Jadran mwill be anything but easy. The Montenegrins impressed in Marseille and will aim to make life difficult for the Spanish giants.
Vasas, who suffered a humiliating defeat to Barceloneta and then a shock domestic league loss, will have a mountain to climb when they host CN Marseille. The French side’s star-studded lineup makes them favorites to collect another victory and tighten their grip on Group C.
Group D: Sabadell vs. Olympiacos – Battle of the Winners
Group D is shaping up to be the most balanced of the four, and Wednesday’s clash between Sabadell and Olympiacos, both winners on Day 1, is the highlight. Olympiacos, who surprisingly dropped a point at home to Primorac last week, will be eager to get back on track and secure a win on the road. A victory in Sabadell would be a huge boost for last year’s bronze medalists.
Primorac, after earning a valuable point in Piraeus, now face RN Savona. In what is shaping up to be a tight group, this could already be considered a do-or-die match for both teams.