Martina Claveria Murillo fired in a sensational hat-trick as Assolim CN Mataro edged out FTC-Telekom 13-14 in Budapest, ending the Hungarian side’s unbeaten run in the Women’s Champions League. A dramatic late goal for FTC forced a shootout, but Mataro held their nerve to claim victory, securing their place in the quarter-finals and dealing FTC their first loss of the season.
Meanwhile, Astralpool CN Sabadell, Olympiacos SFP, and CN Sant Andreu maintained their perfect records, ensuring their progression. The final quarter-final spot remains undecided in Group C, with Alimos NAC Betsson keeping their hopes alive after a penalty shootout victory over SIS Roma.
Group A
Results:
- Dunaujvaros WPC (HUN) 9-12 Vouliagmeni NC (GRE)
- CN Terrassa (ESP) 4-13 Astralpool CN Sabadell (ESP)
Standings:
- Sabadell – 15 pts
- Vouliagmeni – 12 pts
- Terrassa – 2 pts
- Dunaujvaros – 1 pt
Vouliagmeni kept their hopes of topping the group alive with a hard-fought win over Dunaujvaros. Despite an early Greek lead, the hosts battled back to go ahead at halftime. However, Vouliagmeni responded with a dominant final quarter to take the win.
Sabadell, the reigning champions, made light work of Terrassa, producing a defensive masterclass to comfortably maintain their 100% record. Their final group game against Vouliagmeni will determine top spot, though their previous 16-11 win in Greece makes them strong favorites.
Group B
Results:
- FTC-Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) 10-10 (3-4P) Assolim CN Mataro (ESP)
- Polar Bears (NED) 14-11 Antenore Plebiscito Padova (ITA)
Standings:
- FTC – 13 pts
- Mataro – 11 pts
- Polar Bears – 3 pts
- Padova – 3 pts
FTC and Mataro delivered a thrilling contest, with the Spaniards taking control in the third quarter. Despite trailing late, FTC fought back through Vanda Valyi, who netted a stunning last-second equalizer to force penalties. However, Mataro kept their composure, with Claveria Murillo converting the decisive shot.
Elsewhere, Polar Bears defeated Padova in a fiery encounter that saw multiple exclusions and red cards. A strong second-half push sealed the Dutch side’s first win of the group stage.
Group C
Results:
- GZC Donk (NED) 13-17 Olympiacos SFP (GRE)
- Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE) 11-11 (4-3P) SIS Roma (ITA)
Standings:
- Olympiacos – 15 pts
- Donk – 6 pts
- Roma – 5 pts
- Alimos – 4 pts
Olympiacos continued their dominant run with a high-scoring win over Donk, showcasing their offensive firepower. Their victory also benefited Alimos, who edged out Roma in a penalty shootout after a dramatic back-and-forth contest.
Roma led for much of the game, but Alimos staged a late comeback, forcing a shootout where Afroditi Bitsakou scored the decisive penalty. The final quarter-final spot remains up for grabs, with both Roma and Alimos still in contention heading into the final matchday.
Group D
Results:
- Orizzonte Catania (ITA) 15-4 BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN)
- CN Sant Andreu (ESP) 14-11 UVSE-Helia D (HUN)
Standings:
- Sant Andreu – 15 pts
- Orizzonte – 12 pts
- UVSE – 3 pts
- BVSC – 0 pts
Orizzonte brushed aside BVSC with a dominant second half, keeping their slim hopes of topping the group alive. However, they need to overturn a seven-goal deficit against Sant Andreu in their final game to finish first.
Sant Andreu faced a much tougher challenge from Hungarian champions UVSE. Despite an early lead, they allowed their opponents back into the game before regaining control in the final quarter. A strong defensive finish ensured they remain in pole position heading into the last group match.
Euro Cup Final Set: Trieste vs. De Zaan
The Women’s Euro Cup final will be contested between Netherlands’ ZV De Zaan and Italy’s Pallanuoto Trieste after both teams successfully navigated their semi-final ties.
Semi-Finals, Second Legs:
- CN Tenerife Echeyde (ESP) 7-8 Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA) (Aggregate: 16-23)
- ZV De Zaan (NED) 11-10 ANC Glyfada iRepair (GRE) (Aggregate: 20-16)
De Zaan held off a spirited Glyfada fightback, with Britt van den Dobbelsteen’s crucial saves keeping the Greeks at bay. Meanwhile, Trieste saw off Tenerife, controlling proceedings from the second quarter onwards.
The final will be played over two legs, with the first leg scheduled for March 15th and the return fixture set for April 5th.
Where to Watch
Catch all the Women’s Champions League and Euro Cup action live on euroaquaticstv.com and follow real-time updates via the European Aquatics App.
Stay tuned to Waterpolo360 for more updates on the European water polo scene!