Olympiacos arrive in Malta with belief, momentum and the feeling that this could be their moment.
The Greek champions will face Assolim Mataro in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League Final Four on Wednesday, as they continue their pursuit of a fourth European crown. It is another major appointment for one of the most decorated clubs in women’s water polo, but this time there is an added sense of opportunity.
Olympiacos have built their season on consistency. They topped their Champions League group before eliminating Spanish powerhouse Sabadell in the quarter-finals, winning 17-12 away in Barcelona before completing the job with a 10-8 victory in Piraeus. That 27-20 aggregate win sent them back to the Final Four and gave them a measure of revenge against the side that denied them a place in last year’s final.
Speaking to Olympiacos SFP ahead of the tournament, Australian international Abby Andrews said that quarter-final performance was a defining point in the team’s European campaign.
“We have had an excellent run in the Champions League this year,” Andrews said. “A landmark moment of our season in Europe was our strong performance in the quarter-final against Sabadell, who had knocked us out of the gold medal final last year. At the same time, we have seen steady progress throughout the season.”
Olympiacos travel to Malta not only as one of the continent’s traditional forces, but also as a team that has already delivered domestically. Under Giorgos Doskas, they regained control in Greece, winning every title available at home despite a campaign complicated by injuries and the long interruption for national team commitments.
Doskas believes those obstacles have strengthened the group.
“Throughout the year, we have had a steady course, since we managed to finish first in our group and then eliminate a very strong team, Sabadell, in the quarter-finals,” Doskas told Olympiacos SFP. “We have also won all the titles in Greece, in a season with injury problems, as well as a big break for the obligations of the national teams. These were some of the obstacles we had to overcome.”
Now attention turns fully to Mataro. The newly crowned Spanish champions arrive in Malta full of confidence after beating Sant Andreu in the domestic final, while Olympiacos will know they are facing one of the most complete teams in Europe. But the Greek side have shown throughout the season that they can control high-pressure games, particularly through their defence, goalkeeping and the scoring power of players such as Andrews.
“We are very excited for Malta,” Andrews said. “We hope to produce a very strong performance. We would like this to be our year and we will work hard to make it a reality.”
For Doskas, winning the Champions League would represent something unique for both the club and the people inside the team.
“We are preparing very well, so that we are completely ready for the semi-final against Mataro,” he said. “Winning the Champions League would be something unique both for the club and for those of us who make up the team. We are really looking forward to living this experience, enjoying the games and giving our best.”
There is also a wider Olympiacos storyline in Malta, with both the women’s and men’s teams competing at the joint Champions League Final Four. That has added to the sense of occasion for the club.
“We can’t wait to be in Malta and support our men’s team as well,” Andrews added.
Doskas echoed that feeling, saying it would be “nice” to watch and support the men’s team’s effort too.
For Olympiacos, however, the first focus is clear: Mataro, the semi-final, and the chance to turn a strong season into a historic one.
They have been close before. In Malta, they hope this really is their year.
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