The Champions League Quarter-Final Stage continues with crucial clashes in both groups as teams look to solidify their positions. Olympiacos SFP and VK Novi Beograd headline the action in Group A, while unbeaten FTC Telekom Waterpolo faces RN Savona in Group B’s standout fixture.
Group A
Tuesday, 25th February 2025 (All times CET)
20:00 Olympiacos SFP (GRE) vs. VK Novi Beograd (SRB)
- Day 1 Results: Olympiacos 12-11 Jadran Split (away), Novi Beograd 15-14 CN Marseille (home)
- Head-to-head Record: Olympiacos 2-1 (1 draw)
- Previous Meetings:
- 2023-24: Olympiacos 9-6 (Final Four, bronze match)
- 2022-23: Novi Beograd 13-11 (Final Eight, quarter-finals)
- 2021-22: 12-12, Olympiacos 12-9
This match is shaping up to be the game of the day. Both teams started their quarter-final campaigns with narrow victories, making this contest pivotal. A win here would put either side in a strong position for the Final Four.
Olympiacos is coming off a Greek Cup victory, but their performances at home in the Champions League have been inconsistent. They need to be at their best to secure all three points.
Novi Beograd recently suffered their first loss in 20 matches, followed by another defeat in the Regional League. However, they rebounded with a hard-fought victory over Marseille. This match against Olympiacos presents an even greater challenge, but the Serbian side has the depth and quality to compete at the highest level.
20:00 CN Marseille (FRA) vs. VK Jadran Split (CRO)
- Day 1 Results: Marseille 14-15 Novi Beograd (away), Jadran Split 11-12 Olympiacos (home)
- Head-to-head Record: Marseille 2-0
- Previous Meetings:
- 2023-24: Marseille 14-12, 17-10
- 2017-18 (Euro Cup Quarter-Finals): Marseille 11-10, 7-5
Both teams suffered narrow defeats in their opening matches, making this a must-win game to stay in contention for the Final Four.
Marseille has historically been stronger at home, which could give them an advantage. However, Jadran Split comes into the match with confidence after a crucial victory in the Regional League. They will need to maintain that momentum to secure a positive result.
Group B
Wednesday, 26th February 2025 (All times CET)
20:00 RN Savona (ITA) vs. FTC-Telekom (HUN)
- Day 1 Results: Savona 17-11 CSM Oradea (away), FTC 18-10 CNAB (home)
- Head-to-head Record: First Champions League meeting
FTC Telekom continues to dominate, extending their unbeaten run to 32 matches across all competitions. They convincingly defeated Barceloneta in the first round and followed it up with another commanding performance in the Hungarian league.
Playing in Savona, however, is never easy. The Italian side has only lost to powerhouses Recco and Brescia in their domestic league and produced a strong performance against Oradea in their opening match. If they can deliver a near-perfect game, they may challenge the Hungarian giants.
20:00 Zodiac CNAB (ESP) vs. CSM Oradea (ROU)
- Day 1 Results: CNAB 10-18 FTC (away), CSM Oradea 11-17 Savona (home)
- Head-to-head Record: CNAB 2-0
- Previous Meetings:
- 2012-13: CNAB 15-5, 12-8 (Round of 16)
Barceloneta is looking to recover from a heavy defeat against FTC, their worst in recent years. Their defense struggled in Budapest, conceding 18 goals, an uncharacteristic performance for the Spanish powerhouse.
A victory this week is crucial, and the fixture list works in their favor as they face Oradea, a team considered the weakest in the quarter-finals. Oradea conceded 17 goals at home against Savona, and a trip to Barcelona presents an even tougher challenge.