The Women’s Champions League kicked off with a bang as GZC Donk and SIS Roma delivered an electrifying encounter in the Group Stage opener. Despite Donk leading 7-2 in the first half, they found themselves down 11-14 with only two minutes left. However, in a stunning comeback, they scored three goals in the last 77 seconds, forcing a shootout, which they ultimately won.
Elsewhere, last year’s runners-up, Olympiacos, survived a tough test against fellow Greek team Alimos, while defending champions Sabadell and bronze medallists Sant Andreu coasted to comfortable victories.
Group A
Results:
- CN Terrassa (ESP) 11-16 Vouliagmeni (GRE)
- Dunaujvaros (HUN) 8-13 Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)
Both matches in Group A saw decisive five-goal away wins. Vouliagmeni faced CN Terrassa in a high-scoring affair, with 11 goals coming within the first five minutes. The Greek side maintained their lead through the second period and controlled the game for a final score of 11-16. Meanwhile, in the other match, Dunaujvaros opened with a lead, but a six-goal surge from Sabadell by halftime put them comfortably ahead. The reigning champions secured an easy victory, leaving no room for a repeat of last season’s near-comeback by Dunaujvaros.
Group B
Results:
- FTC-Telekom Budapest (HUN) 9-6 Plebiscito Padova (ITA)
- Polar Bears Ede (NED) v CN Mataro (ESP) on Sunday, 13:00
FTC Telekom Budapest established an early 3-1 lead against Padova, though the Italians rallied to tie it at halftime. However, two quick goals from FTC in the third quarter helped secure their lead. Despite Padova converting two penalties, crucial saves from FTC’s Boglarka Neszmely and strong defensive play ensured a 9-6 victory.
Group C
Results:
- GZC Donk (NED) 14-14 (6-5P) SIS Roma (ITA)
- Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE) 11-12 Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
Group C delivered thrilling matches, starting with GZC Donk’s epic showdown with SIS Roma. After a dominant 7-2 start, Donk allowed Roma back into the game, trailing 11-14 with under two minutes left. Sabrina van der Sloot’s penalty sparked Donk’s comeback, with Marit van der Weijden’s timely goal bringing the score to 14-14. In the shootout, van der Sloot clinched the win after a game-changing save by goalie Sarah Buis.
In a closely contested Greek showdown, Olympiacos faced a strong challenge from Alimos, leading by just one goal at halftime. With a late surge, Olympiacos pulled ahead 9-12, narrowly escaping defeat as Alimos missed a potential equalizer, securing Olympiacos’s hard-fought 11-12 victory.
Group D
Results:
- Orizzonte Catania (ITA) 12-10 UVSE-Helia D (HUN)
- CN Sant Andreu (ESP) 18-5 BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN)
The first half between Orizzonte and UVSE saw the Hungarian team holding a slim 5-7 lead. However, Orizzonte’s resilience brought them back to even by the final quarter. In the closing minutes, Charlize Andrews and Bronte Halligan sealed the victory for Orizzonte, who ended the night with a 12-10 win.
Sant Andreu dominated BVSC from the outset, with a powerful opening quarter that left them leading 6-2. They continued to control the game, ending in a commanding 18-5 win, making it the largest margin of victory in the opening round.
Watch all the exciting Women’s Champions League water polo action live on www.euroaquaticstv.com.