The first leg of the Men’s Euro Cup eighth-finals delivered a mix of dominant performances and edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Radnički made a strong statement by dismantling the reigning champions, while tight battles unfolded in Barcelona and Budapest, leaving several matchups wide open ahead of the second leg.
Euro Cup Round of 16 – 2nd leg schedule
Saturday, 25th January 2025
Ortigia 1928 (ITA) 10-13 KEIO CN Sabadell (ESP)
HAVK Mladost (CRO) 18-11 CSA Steaua Bucharest (ROU)
Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) 12-15 AN Brescia (ITA)
CN Barcelona (ESP) 11-10 Vasas Plaket (HUN)
VK Jug AO (CRO) 9-15 SPD Radnicki (SRB)
VK Sabac Elixir (SRB) 8-13 PVK Jadran M:Tel Herceg Novi (MNE)
BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN) 16-16 VPK Primorac Kotor (MNE)
Pro Recco (ITA) 17-5 Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO)
Radnički Stuns Jug in Dubrovnik
Jug 9 – 15 Radnički
Radnički delivered a commanding 15-9 victory over defending champions Jug Dubrovnik in Croatia. The visitors opened with a 4-0 run and never looked back, leading 8-4 at halftime and extending their advantage to eight goals late in the game. Nemanja Jakšić and Nemanja Dadvani led Radnički with three goals each, securing a decisive lead ahead of the second leg.
High-Scoring Thriller in Budapest Ends Level
BVSC 16 – 16 Primorac
BVSC Budapest and Primorac Kotor shared the spoils in a dramatic 16-16 draw. BVSC built leads of 5-2, 10-7, and 13-10, but Primorac fought back each time. The hosts took a narrow 16-15 lead late in the game, only for Primorac’s Dusan Markovic to score the equalizer in the dying moments. With everything to play for in the second leg, this matchup remains wide open.
Barcelona Holds Off Vasas in Tight Contest
Barcelona 11 – 10 Vasas
Barcelona narrowly edged Vasas 11-10 in a hard-fought match. The Spanish side controlled the first half, leading 6-3 at the break, but Vasas mounted a strong comeback, tying the game at 6-6 early in the third quarter. Despite the pressure, Barcelona held firm, with Sergi Daura’s three goals proving crucial. The slim margin leaves Vasas with hope for the return leg in Budapest.
Brescia Secures Away Victory in Hannover
Waspo 12 – 15 Brescia
Brescia overcame a resilient Waspo Hannover side to claim a 15-12 victory in Germany. After a close first half that ended 7-6 in Hannover’s favor, Brescia surged ahead in the third quarter with a dominant 9-7 lead. Edoardo Balzarini and Jacopo Ferrero each scored four goals to guide the Italians to a crucial away win.
Mladost Overcomes Early Scare to Dominate Steaua
Mladost 18 – 11 Steaua
Mladost Zagreb defeated Steaua Bucharest 18-11 in a high-scoring encounter. Steaua started brightly, leading 4-2 in the first quarter, but Mladost turned the game around with a 4-0 run and never looked back. Luka Bukić led the Croatian side with six goals, ensuring they carry a comfortable advantage into the second leg.
Jadran Herceg Novi Cruises Past Šabac
Šabac 8 – 13 Jadran
Montenegro’s Jadran Herceg Novi secured a dominant 13-8 win over Serbian rivals Šabac. Jadran jumped to a 6-1 lead early in the game and extended the margin to 12-4 in the fourth quarter. While Šabac closed the gap late on, Jadran’s strong performance leaves them in a commanding position.
Sabadell Survives Sicilian Challenge
Ortigia 10 – 13 Sabadell
Sabadell earned a 13-10 win over Ortigia in Sicily, building on their earlier victory in the Champions League qualifiers. A 4-0 run in the second quarter proved decisive for the Spanish side, with Konstantin Averka contributing five goals. Despite Ortigia’s efforts to stay in the game, Sabadell maintained control and heads into the second leg with a three-goal cushion.
Pro Recco Dominates Dinamo Tbilisi
Pro Recco 17 – 5 Dinamo
Pro Recco showcased their class with a resounding 17-5 victory over Dinamo Tbilisi in Genoa. The Italians raced to a 4-0 lead within the first five minutes and extended the margin to 10-3 by halftime. Ben Hallock and Luca Condemi led the scoring with four goals each, as Recco took a giant step toward the quarterfinals.