The third week of the 2025/26 Champions League promises another thrilling set of fixtures, highlighted by the clash between Radnicki and Olympiacos in Kragujevac.
Two weeks ago, the matches in Croatia involving Serbian clubs stood out as some of the best of Round 2. Novi Beograd earned a defensive 10:7 win over Jadran Split, while Mladost defeated Radnicki 17:15 in a high-scoring, physical contest.
Now, both Serbian sides are back home — and both host marquee fixtures this week. Radnicki meet Olympiacos in Group A, while Novi Beograd welcome Jadran Herceg Novi in Group B.
2025/26 Champions League, Round 3 Preview
GROUP A
Tuesday, November 11
- Vasas – Mladost (20:30)
Wednesday, November 12
- Radnicki – Olympiacos (20:30)
Radnicki and Olympiacos last met in Kragujevac during the 2023 Champions League, when the Serbian side held the Greeks to a 10:10 draw despite Olympiacos being heavy favourites. Much has changed since then — Radnicki have completely rebuilt their squad, with only backup goalkeeper Stefan Todorovski remaining from that lineup. Olympiacos, meanwhile, has evolved steadily, adding world-class names across recent seasons.
The Greek champions have started this campaign in dominant form, with emphatic wins over Mladost (13:9) and Vasas (15:5), while Emmanouil Zerdevas starred with 16 saves against the Hungarians. Radnicki’s form has been inconsistent, hampered by the absence of Nikola Jaksic, but the Serbian champions are improving and remain dangerous at home.
The game in Kragujevac features a star-studded cast — half of Serbia’s national team plays for Radnicki, while Olympiacos includes most of Greece’s top internationals. Adding to the intrigue are cross-national storylines: Greek maestro Angelos Vlachopoulos and former Serbian icons Andrija Prlainovic and Dusko Pijetlovic lead Radnicki, while Olympiacos boasts Hungarian stars Gergo Zalanki and Adam Angyal.
This is more than a match — it’s a meeting of water polo powerhouses packed with Olympic and World Champions.
Standings:
- Olympiacos – 6 pts
- Mladost – 3 pts
- Radnicki – 3 pts
- Vasas – 0 pts
GROUP B
Tuesday, November 11
- Novi Beograd – Jadran HN (20:30)
- Pro Recco – Jadran S (20:30)
Novi Beograd and Jadran Herceg Novi meet for the first time in a Champions League game, though they are no strangers from the regional Premier League. Their latest encounter, just 17 days ago, ended 12:12 in Herceg Novi before Jadran edged the shootout.
Now back in Belgrade with a full-strength roster, Novi Beograd are the favourites — but Jadran HN, despite two recent losses to Pro Recco and Sabac, have proven they can compete with Europe’s elite.
Meanwhile, Jadran Split face the unenviable task of travelling to Italy to face defending champions Pro Recco. With no points so far, the Croatians’ path to the quarter-finals is looking increasingly narrow.
Standings:
- Pro Recco – 6 pts
- Novi Beograd – 3 pts
- Jadran HN – 3 pts
- Jadran S – 0 pts
GROUP C
Tuesday, November 11
- Oradea – Brescia (18:30)
Wednesday, November 12
- Ferencvaros – Primorac (20:30)
In Group C, Ferencvaros are clear favourites to maintain their perfect record when they host Primorac, who are struggling after losses to Brescia and Oradea.
The meeting between Oradea and Brescia is one to watch. The Romanian champions famously defeated the Italians on penalties in the 2024/25 season, and both sides are chasing a top-two finish again. Oradea recovered well from an opening loss to Ferencvaros, while Brescia impressed offensively in defeat to the Hungarians, scoring 17 goals.
Standings:
- Ferencvaros – 6 pts
- Brescia – 3 pts
- Oradea – 3 pts
- Primorac – 0 pts
GROUP D
Wednesday, November 12
- Waspo 98 Hannover – Barceloneta (18:30)
- Marseille – Sabadell (20:30)
Waspo Hannover ended a nearly two-year European win drought by beating Sabadell in Round 2, but will need another inspired display against Barceloneta. The Spanish champions, still smarting from their home defeat to Marseille, can’t afford further slip-ups.
Marseille, meanwhile, have gathered momentum with back-to-back wins over Hannover and Barceloneta. The French side rarely drop points at home, but Sabadell have shown over the past three years that they are capable of challenging any opponent.
Standings:
- Marseille – 6 pts
- Barceloneta – 3 pts
- Hannover – 3 pts
- Sabadell – 0 pts
Elsewhere: Euro Cup action (November 13)
The 2025/26 Euro Cup Group Stage continues Thursday, featuring another round of big clashes — including the Greek derby in Athens, a Croatian derby in Dubrovnik, and decisive games in Szolnok and Sabac.
Group A: Terrassa – ASC Duisburg (20:30); Jug – Solaris (19:00).
Standings: Jug 6, Terrassa 3, Solaris 3, ASC Duisburg 0.
Group B: Trieste – Dinamo Bucharest (20:00); Szolnok – Barcelona (18:00).
Standings: Szolnok 6, Trieste 3, Barcelona 3, Dinamo 0.
Group C: Panathinaikos – Vouliagmeni; Buducnost – BVSC.
Standings: Vouliagmeni 5, BVSC 4, Panathinaikos 3, Buducnost 0.
Group D: Steaua – Savona; Sabac – Spandau 04 (20:00).
Standings: Savona 6, Spandau 04 3, Sabac 3, Steaua 0
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