Radnicki, Jadran Split, and Sabadell all took major steps toward the Euro Cup quarterfinals after delivering convincing first-leg victories in the Round of 16 on Tuesday evening. With commanding wins away from home and at home, the trio now hold significant advantages ahead of the decisive return matches on March 7.
Elsewhere, Vasas secured a three-goal lead in the Hungarian derby against BVSC, while Marseille, Panathinaikos, and Oradea claimed narrow victories to keep their quarterfinal hopes firmly alive. The tie between Primorac and Jug Dubrovnik has been postponed and rescheduled for March 4.
Radnicki surge late to stun Barcelona
Radnicki produced the most emphatic away performance of the round, defeating Barcelona 15:10 in Spain thanks to a devastating 5:0 run in the final quarter.
The Serbian side surprised with its lineup, resting several experienced stars including Olympic champion Radoslav Filipovic, Andrija Prlainovic, and Dusko Pijetlovic. Instead, younger players stepped up, with New Zealand goalkeeper Bae Fountain starting between the posts.
Radnicki’s defense set the tone early, building a 4:1 first-quarter lead. Barcelona fought back impressively, scoring four consecutive goals to take a 5:4 advantage early in the second half. The contest remained balanced through the third period, with the teams level at 7:7 and 8:8.
However, Strahinja Rasovic took control in the decisive final quarter, scoring three goals as Radnicki overwhelmed the hosts. Rasovic finished with five goals, while Sava Randjelovic added three, including a spectacular buzzer-beater from mid-pool to seal a five-goal victory.
The result gives Radnicki a commanding cushion heading into the return leg in Kragujevac.
Jadran Split overpower Szolnok in Hungary
Jadran Split matched Radnicki’s margin of victory, defeating Szolnok 15:10 away from home to put themselves in an excellent position to advance.
The match remained tightly contested early on, with the teams level at 5:5. But Australian international Marcus Berehulak converted a last-second power-play goal before halftime to give Jadran a crucial lead.
That goal proved to be the turning point. Jadran extended its advantage early in the third quarter and continued to control the match, building a six-goal lead on two occasions in the fourth period.
Berehulak led all scorers with five goals, while Konstantin Nemet, Loren Marinić Kragić, and Zvonimir Butić all contributed key goals. Szolnok now faces a daunting task in Split if it hopes to overturn the deficit.
Sabadell dismantle Sabac with defensive masterclass
Sabadell delivered one of the most dominant performances of the round, crushing Sabac 11:3 in Spain.
The hosts immediately seized control, racing to a 4:0 lead and never allowing Sabac to recover. Sabadell’s defense proved nearly impenetrable, conceding just once in each of the first three quarters.
Sergi Cabanas led the Spanish side with three goals, while Alberto Averka, Asensio, and Saboya added two each. Sabac struggled throughout, scoring just twice in the first three quarters and failing to find any offensive rhythm.
With an eight-goal advantage, Sabadell are virtually assured of a quarterfinal berth.
Vasas take control in Hungarian derby
In an all-Budapest clash, Vasas defeated BVSC 11:8 to gain an important advantage ahead of the return leg.
The match remained closely contested through halftime, but Bogdan Djurdjic’s five-goal performance proved decisive. Vasas gradually pulled away in the second half, extending their lead to four goals before BVSC narrowed the gap late on.
While BVSC remain within reach, Vasas will enter the return leg with confidence.
Marseille edge Savona in thriller
Marseille claimed a valuable 12:11 away victory over Savona in one of the most dramatic matches of the round.
French international Ugo Crousillat led the visitors with five goals, including the decisive man-up conversion in the closing minutes. Savona’s veteran Pietro Figlioli scored six goals to keep his team in contention, but Marseille held firm defensively in the final moments.
The narrow victory gives Marseille a slight advantage ahead of the second leg in France.
Panathinaikos and Oradea take narrow leads
Panathinaikos secured a hard-fought 11:10 home victory over Jadran Herceg Novi in Athens. The Montenegrin champions mounted a strong comeback and briefly took the lead late in the match, but Panathinaikos scored the final two goals to secure the win.
Meanwhile, Oradea defeated Terrassa 14:13 in Romania. The hosts appeared in control with a three-goal lead late in the match, but Terrassa scored twice in the final minute to reduce the deficit and keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
Quarterfinal picture taking shape
With dominant first-leg victories, Radnicki, Jadran Split, and Sabadell now stand on the brink of qualification. Vasas and Marseille also hold important advantages, while the ties between Panathinaikos and Jadran Herceg Novi, and Oradea and Terrassa remain finely balanced.
The postponed clash between Primorac and Jug Dubrovnik adds further intrigue, with that tie still wide open.
All eyes now turn to the decisive return legs on March 7, when the final quarterfinal lineup will be confirmed.
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