The qualification phase of the 2025/26 Euro Cup has concluded, with Spandau, Trieste, Solaris, and Terrassa securing first place in their respective groups to advance to the Group Stage. Joining them as the three best runners-up are Vouliagmeni, Steaua, and Szolnok, while Apollon Smyrnis narrowly missed out despite finishing second in Group A.
All four runners-up ended with six points, leaving goal difference as the decisive factor. Vouliagmeni (+14), Steaua (+14), and Szolnok (+8) advanced, while Apollon (+6) were eliminated by the narrowest of margins.
Group B thriller sets the tone
The day began with the crucial clash between Vouliagmeni and Trieste in Montpellier — a game that had major implications for qualification. After an exhilarating contest featuring 34 goals, Vouliagmeni triumphed in a penalty shootout (23–22). Both teams ultimately progressed, with Trieste topping the group and Vouliagmeni advancing as one of the best second-placed teams.
Later in the same group, Crvena Zvezda ended their campaign on a high, defeating hosts Montpellier 23–10.
Group B standings: 1. Trieste 7 pts (+11), 2. Vouliagmeni 6 (+14), 3. Crvena Zvezda 5 (+12), 4. Montpellier 0 (–37)
Group A: Spandau on top, Apollon fall short
In Athens, Spandau 04 had already secured first place before the final day and played their last match with reduced intensity, losing 11–16 to Sport Management. Meanwhile, Apollon Smyrnis needed a big win to stay in contention — and although they defeated ZV De Zaan 23–15, their +6 goal difference wasn’t enough to rank among the top three runners-up.
Group A standings: 1. Spandau 6 pts (+11), 2. Apollon 6 (+6), 3. Sport Management 5 (+3), 4. ZV De Zaan 1 (–20)
Group C: Solaris edge Steaua in Sibenik showdown
Hosts Solaris and Steaua Bucharest played one of the closest matches of the round. In a tense, back-and-forth encounter, Solaris clinched a 13–12 win to claim top spot, while Steaua’s strong goal difference ensured progression as one of the best second-placed teams.
Group C standings: 1. Solaris 9 pts (+11), 2. Steaua 6 (+14), 3. Rapid 3 (–12), 4. Dinamo Tbilisi 0 (–13)
Group D: Terrassa dominate, Szolnok scrape through
The final group delivered another major talking point. Hosts Terrassa produced a statement performance, overwhelming Szolnok 13–4 in a decisive match for first place. Despite the heavy loss, Szolnok’s earlier results proved enough to keep them alive — qualifying by just two goals ahead of Apollon.
Elsewhere, Pays d’Aix defeated OSC Potsdam 13–8 to end their campaign on a positive note, though as a former Champions League qualifier, they are not eligible to enter the new Conference Cup.
Group D standings: 1. Terrassa 9 pts (+29), 2. Szolnok 6 (+8), 3. Pays d’Aix 3 (–13), 4. OSC Potsdam 0 (–24)
Second-placed rankings
- Vouliagmeni – 6 pts (51:37, +14)
- Steaua – 6 pts (45:31, +14)
- Szolnok – 6 pts (41:33, +8)
- Apollon – 6 pts (47:41, +6)
Euro Cup Group Stage Draw
Group A: Jug Dubrovnik (CRO), ASC Duisburg (GER), Solaris (CRO), Terrassa (ESP)
Group B: Barcelona (ESP), Dinamo Bucharest (ROU), Trieste (ITA), Szolnok (HUN)
Group C: BVSC Budapest (HUN), Panathinaikos (GRE), Buducnost (MNE), Vouliagmeni (GRE)
Group D: Savona (ITA), Sabac (SRB), Spandau (GER), Steaua (ROU)