The Qualification Round of the Men’s Euro Cup is over.
After a busy weekend across eight European cities, four of Greece’s five teams have advanced to the Group Stage. Italy and Hungary will each have three teams in the next round.
From Greece, Apollon, Panionios, Panathinaikos, and Vouliagmeni made the cut. Italy’s representatives in the Group Stage include Brescia, Recco, and Ortigia. Hungary will be represented by BVSC, Szolnok, and Honved. Meanwhile, Croatia’s top teams, Jug and Mladost, advanced as well.
Some surprises emerged from the round.
Only one Spanish team, CN Barcelona, managed to qualify, while three other Spanish clubs fell short. Similarly, Germany saw just one team; not Spandau, but Duisburg, reach the Group Stage.
Additionally, VK Sabac from Serbia and Team Strasbourg from France complete the Group Stage lineup. The official draw for the Group Stage will take place on Monday at 11:00 CET, forming four groups of four.
Here’s a breakdown of how the final rankings shaped up in each group:
Group A (Sabac)
Final Standings:
- VK Sabac (SRB) – 12 pts
- Team Strasbourg (FRA) – 7 pts
- Dinamo Bucharest (ROU) – 7 pts
- OSC Budapest (HUN) – 4 pts
- OSC Potsdam (GER) – 0 pts
Sabac secured its place with a thrilling 12-10 win over Dinamo Bucharest, who needed at least a draw to advance. Dinamo’s defeat allowed Strasbourg to move on to the Group Stage.
Group B (Budva)
Final Standings:
- Brescia (ITA) – 12 pts
- Endo Plus Service Honved (HUN) – 9 pts
- Valis Vega (SRB) – 6 pts
- Budvanska Rivijera (MNE) – 3 pts
- Banja Luka (BIH) – 0 pts
Brescia dominated the round, particularly in their 19-7 win over Budvanska. Honved secured their qualification with a strong showing earlier in the tournament.
Group C (Barcelona)
Final Standings:
- CN Barcelona (ESP) – 9 pts
- Vouliagmeni (GRE) – 6 pts
- Solaris Sibenik (CRO) – 3 pts
- Iren Genova Quinto (ITA) – 0 pts
CN Barcelona cruised to victory with a 17-12 win against Solaris Sibenik, while Vouliagmeni dismantled Iren Genova to secure second place and advance.
Group D (Zagreb)
Final Standings:
- HAVK Mladost Zagreb (CRO) – 12 pts
- Apollon Smyrnis (GRE) – 9 pts
- Enka Istanbul (TUR) – 3 pts
- Sant Andreu (ESP) – 3 pts
- Cattaro Kotor (MNE) – 3 pts
Mladost showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, securing four consecutive wins. Apollon Smyrnis joins them in the Group Stage after a solid performance.
Group E (Athens)
Final Standings:
- Szolnoki DP (HUN) – 9 pts
- Panionios GSS (GRE) – 6 pts
- Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) – 3 pts
- Tenerife Echeyde (ESP) – 0 pts
Panionios earned their place in the Group Stage with a commanding 14-8 win over Spandau, while Szolnoki DP capped off their qualification with a 15-6 win over Tenerife.
Group F (Aix-en-Provence)
Final Standings:
- VK Jug AO Dubrovnik (CRO) – 12 pts
- Panathinaikos AC (GRE) – 9 pts
- De Akker Team (ITA) – 6 pts
- Pays d’Aix Natation (FRA) – 3 pts
- SV Ludwigsburg (GER) – 0 pts
Jug AO outlasted Panathinaikos in a thrilling 17-15 battle for the top spot, both teams securing their places in the next round.
Group G (Kranj)
Final Standings:
- Ortigia 1928 (ITA) – 9 pts
- ASC Duisburg (GER) – 6 pts
- AK PAOK (GRE) – 3 pts
- Triglav Kranj (SLO) – 0 pts
Ortigia sealed their qualification in style, demolishing Duisburg 22-12, though the German side also advanced to the Group Stage.
Group H (Budapest)
Final Standings:
- BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN) – 9 pts
- Pro Recco (ITA) – 6 pts
- Primorje EB Rijeka (CRO) – 3 pts
- CN Terrassa (ESP) – 0 pts
BVSC outclassed Pro Recco with a 16-11 victory to top the group, securing their place in the Group Stage after a stellar performance.