Just a week after the dramatic clashes in the men’s prelims, the 2025/26 Women’s Champions League is about to get underway. Twelve teams are preparing to battle for eight coveted spots in the Preliminary Round Group Stage this weekend, from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 September.

Qualification Round – Day 1 Fixtures

(All times local)

Group A (Glyfada)

• 19:45 – ANC Glyfada (GRE) v CN Terrassa (ESP)

Group B (Berlin)

• 19:00 – Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) v Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)

Group C (Dunaújváros)

• 17:00 – DFVE Vizilabda (HUN) v Grand Nancy AC (FRA)

Group D (Dunaújváros)

• 19:00 – Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA) v Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA)

All 12 teams begin their journey this weekend with hopes of lifting Europe’s biggest prize in women’s club water polo.
Photo: Aniko Kovacs

Group A – Glyfada

ONE Eger (HUN), ANC Glyfada (GRE), CN Terrassa (ESP)

This promises to be one of the tightest groups of the round. All three clubs have tasted Champions League action before, but only two can progress.

Hosts ANC Glyfada are celebrating the 25th anniversary of becoming the first Greek club to lift the Champions League (then Champions Cup) trophy. Their return comes with added motivation. ONE Eger, despite summer departures, remain a formidable Hungarian opponent, while CN Terrassa of Spain have ambitions to extend their European journey after steady progress in recent years.

Group B – Berlin

Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE), Lille UC (FRA), Spandau 04 Berlin (GER)

Alimos NAC Betsson enter as the standout favourites. Their excellent run last season – including a decisive away victory against GZC Donk that propelled them into the quarter-finals – showed their growing European credentials.

The real intrigue lies in the fight for second place. Hosts Spandau 04 Berlin will look to make the most of home advantage, but Lille UC have the firepower to make it a close contest.

Group C – Dunaújváros

DFVE Vizilabda (HUN), ZV De Zaan (NED), Grand Nancy AC (FRA)

Dunaújváros are seasoned Champions League competitors, boasting decades of experience at the top level. They will be tested by ZV De Zaan, who arrive in Hungary on the back of their Euro Cup triumph and carry the weight of expectation to progress.

Grand Nancy AC, the underdogs of this group, will aim to cause an upset, though they face a difficult path against both Hungarian and Dutch heavyweights.

Group D – Dunaújváros

Assolim CN Mataró (ESP), Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA), Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA)

This group brings an all-Mediterranean flavour to Hungary. Assolim CN Mataró, runners-up in 2023, are tipped to top the section, but Italian rivals Rapallo and Trieste will be out to spoil the Spanish party.

The neutral Hungarian crowd is in for a treat, with high-intensity, closely matched games likely across the three days.

What’s at Stake

With only eight tickets available for the Preliminary Round Group Stage, there is little room for error. The weekend’s action will determine which teams continue their quest for continental glory and which will see their Champions League dreams cut short before October.

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