Meanwhile, Jug Dubrovnik, AN Brescia, and Spandau 04 will miss the Champions League action for the first time in years.
In a thrilling final day of the Champions League Qualification Round, Radnicki Kragujevac pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming a five-goal deficit against Mladost Zagreb to join Jadran Herceg Novi, CSM Oradea, and Astralpool Sabadell in the Group Stage. All four teams maintained unbeaten records, while some of the traditional powerhouses like Jug Dubrovnik, AN Brescia, and Spandau 04 will miss the Champions League action for the first time in years.
Group A (Dubrovnik)
1. Jadran Herceg Novi
2. Jug AO Dubrovnik
3. CN Barcelona
4. Dinamo Bucuresti
5. VK Banja Luka
Jadran mcemented their Group Stage place with a commanding performance against CN Barcelona. A closely contested first half saw the Montenegrins lead 8-6 before a dominant third quarter, where they surged to a 13-7 lead. They eventually sealed a 14-10 victory to finish the round with a perfect record. Meanwhile, Jug Dubrovnik bid farewell to the Champions League with a 24-1 rout of Banja Luka, marking the first time since 2003 that the Croatian side will miss the Group Stage. They now turn their attention to defending their Euro Cup title.
Group B (Kragujevac)
1. Radnicki Kragujevac
2. BVSC-Zuglo
3. Mladost Zagreb
4. Vouliagmeni
BVSC-Zuglo easily handled Vouliagmeni with a 17-9 victory, keeping their hopes alive for a Group Stage spot. However, their fate hinged on Mladost defeating Radnicki in a low-scoring game. Mladost appeared in control, leading 5-1 at halftime and 8-3 late in the third period. But Radnicki’s resilience shone through once again. Led by Olympic champions Nikola Jaksic and Strahinja Rasovic, the Serbian side staged a miraculous comeback, scoring three goals in the final quarter to snatch a 9-8 victory. It was their second consecutive 4-0 fourth-quarter run, having done the same in their opening win against BVSC.
Group C (Oradea)
1. CSM Oradea
2. Spandau 04
3. AN Brescia
4. PAOK Saloniki
5. ENKA Istanbul
Brescia made a fast start against CSM Oradea, racing to a 2-0 lead, knowing a three-goal victory was needed to progress. However, the Romanian side responded, leveling the game at 2-2 and keeping pace with the Italians. Oradea took control in the second half, securing the draw they needed (7-7) to advance, despite Brescia’s efforts to break through. Spandau 04’s earlier 15-11 win over Istanbul wasn’t enough, as their opening-day loss to Oradea proved costly, ending their Champions League campaign.
Group D (Sabadell)
1. Astralpool Sabadell
2. VK Sabac
3. Ortigia
4. Pays d’Aix Natation
Sabadell showcased their dominance, securing decisive victories over their top competitors. On the final day, they delivered an impressive performance against Ortigia, winning 17-11. The Italian team, led by 45-year-old legendary goalkeeper Stefano Tempesti, couldn’t withstand Sabadell’s attacking prowess, with U.S. star Alex Bowen and Montenegrin sharp-shooter Kanstantin Averka combining for nine goals. Sabadell finished their campaign with an unbeaten record, cruising into the Group Stage.
GROUP STAGE
- Group A: Novi Beograd (SRB), Hannover 1898 (GER), Steaua Bucuresti (ROU), CSM Oradea (ROU)
- Group B: FTC-Telekom Budapest (HUN), VK Jadran Split (CRO), Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO), XX
- Group C: Zodiac CNA Barceloneta (ESP), CN Marseille (FRA), Vasas-Plaket Budapest (HUN), Jadran m(MNE)
- Group D: Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE), RN Savona (ITA), Primorac Kotor (MNE), Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)