Olympiacos complete Malta Final Four line-up as Novi Beograd miss out

The line-up for the 2026 European Aquatics Champions League Final Four in Malta is now complete, with Olympiacos securing the final available ticket after a dramatic fifth round in Group A.

The Greek champions finished second in the group after edging AN Brescia 17:16 on penalties following an 11:11 draw in regular time. The victory proved enough to mathematically secure qualification, as Atlètic-Barceloneta defeated VK Novi Beograd 16:14 in Belgrade to remain perfect at the top of the standings.

Olympiacos now join Barceloneta, Pro Recco and Ferencváros in Malta, after the Italian and Hungarian giants confirmed qualification on Tuesday.

For Novi Beograd, the defeat marks the end of an impressive streak. Since making their Champions League debut in 2021/22, the Serbian side had reached the semifinals in every season. This year, however, they will miss out on the Final Four for the first time.

Barceloneta continue perfect run in Belgrade

Barceloneta’s 16:14 victory in Belgrade showcased once again why the Spanish side are among the favourites for the title. Despite the close scoreline, Novi Beograd never managed to take the lead, only drawing level twice during the contest at 5:5 and 10:10.

The visitors made the stronger start in a defensive opening quarter. Goals from Gergely Burian and Bernat Sanahuja gave Barceloneta a 2:0 advantage before Milos Cuk responded for the hosts. Barceloneta maintained a narrow edge throughout the first half, with Vince Vigvári once again influential in attack.

Counterattacks proved decisive in the third period. After Novi Beograd missed a man-up opportunity early in the second half, Barceloneta punished them immediately through Gonzalo Echenique to make it 7:5. The Spaniards repeatedly capitalised on turnovers and mistakes, extending their advantage to 9:6 midway through the quarter.

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Novi briefly fought back after a timeout from Aleksandar Šapić, cutting the deficit to one at 9:8 and later earning a penalty to equalise. However, goalkeeper Unai Aguirre produced a huge save from Vasilije Martinovic, blocking the attempt with his head. Moments later, Alessandro Velotto scored on another fastbreak to restore Barceloneta’s momentum.

Cuk levelled again at 10:10 early in the fourth quarter, but Barceloneta responded immediately with two goals and never relinquished control. Novi Beograd twice moved within one goal in the closing minutes, but Barceloneta always had an answer to seal a fifth straight win in the quarter-final stage.

Olympiacos survive Brescia thriller

In Italy, Olympiacos survived a thrilling battle against Brescia to book their place in Malta.

The contest swung repeatedly throughout the evening. Brescia overturned an early deficit in the second quarter and led 5:3 before Olympiacos recovered to tie the match by halftime. The Italians created numerous opportunities but struggled to convert consistently.

The key moment appeared to arrive late in the third period. After Nikolaidis gave Olympiacos a 9:8 advantage, Dimitrios Dimou beat the buzzer with a long-range effort to make it 10:8 heading into the final quarter. Shortly afterwards, Gergo Zalanki extended the lead to 11:8.

Brescia refused to surrender. Alessandro Balzarini led the comeback, scoring four goals, before Del Basso converted a crucial man-up opportunity with 22 seconds remaining to level the score at 11:11 and force penalties.

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The shootout required seven rounds to separate the teams. Both goalkeepers produced key saves early on, but eventually Olympiacos prevailed when Zerdevas denied Viskovic in the seventh round after Zalanki had converted for the Greeks.

With one round remaining, only third place in Group A remains undecided, with Brescia and Novi Beograd set to battle for consolation positioning.

Group A standings: