As the men’s Euro Cup Group Stage nears its conclusion, the battle for second-place spots intensifies, with the four group leaders already securing their places in the Eight Finals. The penultimate round promises fierce competition as teams fight to keep their hopes alive.
Group A
Thursday, November 21 – Local times
- 20:00: AN Brescia (ITA) vs. GS Apollon Smyrnis (GRE)
- 19:00: VK Jug AO Dubrovnik (CRO) vs. Team Strasbourg (FRA)
Standings:
- AN Brescia – 12pts
- Team Strasbourg – 6pts
- VK Jug AO Dubrovnik – 3pts
- GS Apollon Smyrnis – 3pts
VK Jug AO Dubrovnik, the defending champions, are in a must-win situation against Team Strasbourg to reignite their qualification chances. Coach Vjeko Kobescak emphasized the challenges his young team faces, including injuries and a packed schedule, but remains hopeful of a strong finish.
Meanwhile, group leaders AN Brescia aim to maintain their perfect record as they host GS Apollon Smyrnis. Brescia captain Jacopo Alesiani and coach Alessandro Bovo highlighted their determination to refine their game as they prepare for bigger challenges ahead.
Group B
Thursday, November 21 – Local times
- 15:00: CC Ortigia 1928 (ITA) vs. BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN)
- 20:30: Panionios GSS (GRE) vs. Vouliagmeni NC (GRE)
Standings:
- BVSC-Manna ABC – 12pts
- CC Ortigia 1928 – 6pts
- Panionios GSS – 3pts
- Vouliagmeni NC – 3pts
A Greek showdown between Panionios GSS and Vouliagmeni NC will decide which team keeps their qualification hopes alive. Vouliagmeni captain Efstathios Kalogeropoulos stressed the importance of these final matches, while Panionios will look to repeat their narrow victory from earlier in the stage.
Ortigia faces a daunting task against group leaders BVSC-Manna ABC, who dominated the reverse fixture. Despite already qualifying, BVSC will not make things easy for their Italian opponents.
Group C
Thursday, November 21 – Local times
- 18:00: Szolnoki Dozsa-Praktiker (HUN) vs. ASC Duisburg (GER)
- 20:30: Pro Recco Waterpolo (ITA) vs. HAVK Mladost Zagreb (CRO)
Standings:
- Pro Recco Waterpolo – 12pts
- HAVK Mladost Zagreb – 7pts
- Szolnoki Dozsa-Praktiker – 5pts
- ASC Duisburg – 0pts
Pro Recco’s Andrea Fondelli exudes confidence as his team prepares to host HAVK Mladost Zagreb. The Croatians face a tough test but remain in contention for the final qualification spot, especially after a key victory over Szolnok in the previous round.
Szolnok, on the other hand, must secure a win against winless Duisburg to stay in the hunt. A strong defensive performance will be crucial for the Hungarian side.
Group D
Thursday, November 21 – Local times
- 20:00: VK Sabac Elixir (SRB) vs. CN Barcelona (ESP)
- 21:00: Panathinaikos AC (GRE) vs. Endo Plus Service Honved (HUN)
Standings:
- CN Barcelona – 12pts
- Panathinaikos AC – 6pts
- VK Sabac Elixir – 6pts
- Endo Plus Service Honved – 0pts
Despite already qualifying, CN Barcelona is determined to maintain their dominance against VK Sabac. Barcelona coach Andrei Iosep highlighted the importance of securing the group’s top spot while gaining valuable experience for his young team.
Panathinaikos hosts Honved in a critical match for the Greeks’ qualification hopes. While Honved is out of the running, coach Marton Szivos remains proud of his team’s efforts and looks forward to building for the future.
Watch the Euro Cup Men Group Stage matches live on EuroAquaticsTV.