With the likes of Pro Recco, VK Jug AO Dubrovnik, BVSC-Manna ABC, and AN Brescia in the mix, this season’s eagerly-awaited Euro Cup competition promises to be one to remember. The race for the top two places in the men’s Group Stage kicks off on Thursday, setting the stage for a series of thrilling matchups across Europe.

Group A
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• 20:00 AN Brescia (ITA) v Team Strasbourg (FRA)
• 19:00 VK Jug AO Dubrovnik (CRO) v Apollon Smyrnis (GRE)

AN Brescia, a club with a rich Champions League history, is now focused on adding a fifth Euro Cup title to their already impressive tally of four. Their opening clash sees them host French side Team Strasbourg, who barely scraped past Dinamo Bucharest to secure their spot in this round. Strasbourg will need to bring their best game to contend with Brescia’s formidable attack.

VK Jug AO Dubrovnik, last season’s Euro Cup champions, are back to defend their title. Their dominant run, culminating in a memorable final win against Primorje, makes them a top contender again. Apollon Smyrnis arrives in Dubrovnik in good form, having dominated their qualification group with several huge victories. However, the Greeks are underdogs, and facing a powerhouse like Jug will be no easy task.

Group B
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• 20:30 Panionios GSS (GRE) v BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN)
• 19:30 CC Ortigia 1928 (ITA) v Vouliagmeni NC (GRE)

Panionios GSS, having missed out on last season’s quarterfinals after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Steaua Bucharest, will look to bounce back with a strong start against BVSC-Manna ABC. The Hungarians are fresh off a commanding qualification campaign, including a standout 16-11 win over Pro Recco, and will be eager to keep that momentum going.

CC Ortigia welcomes Vouliagmeni NC, with both sides carrying contrasting form into this clash. Ortigia’s perfect record in the qualification round, bolstered by the skill of Japanese international Yusuke Inaba, makes them favorites at home. Vouliagmeni, on the other hand, endured a rough Champions League qualification campaign and will need to shake off their recent disappointments if they are to stand a chance against the in-form Italians.

Group C
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• 18:00 Szolnoki Dozsa-Praktiker (HUN) v HAVK Mladost Zagreb (CRO)
• 20:00 Pro Recco Waterpolo (ITA) v ASC Duisburg (GER)

All eyes are on Pro Recco as they return to the Euro Cup with high expectations after some off-season turmoil. Despite rumors of a mass exodus, many of Recco’s key players stayed, positioning them as one of the top contenders for the title. Their first challenge comes against Germany’s ASC Duisburg, a team that surprised many by finishing second in their qualification group, thanks in large part to the heroics of Ukrainian star Denys Gusakov.

Szolnok’s clash with Mladost Zagreb is shaping up to be an exciting contest. Both teams cruised through their qualifiers undefeated, but Mladost’s firepower, which includes several Olympic silver medalists, makes them a daunting opponent for the Hungarians.

Group D
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• 18:00 Panathinaikos AC (GRE) v CN Barcelona (ESP)
• 20:00 VK Sabac Elixir (SRB) v Endo Plus Service Honved (HUN)

Group D opens with Panathinaikos taking on Spanish side CN Barcelona. The Greeks missed the main round last year but have returned stronger, eager to make an impression in front of their home fans. Barcelona, two-time Euro Cup champions, will be a tough nut to crack, having been one of the standout teams in the last group stage.

Meanwhile, VK Sabac and Honved both narrowly missed the cut last season but are looking to make up for it this time. Sabac enters this round in excellent form, while Honved will be determined to start strong after finishing second behind Brescia in their qualification group.

Don’t miss the Euro Cup Men’s Group Stage action! Stream all matches live on www.euroaquaticstv.com.