The 2026/27 Women’s Champions League qualification round began on Friday, with Rapallo securing a dramatic victory over Dunaujvaros, while UVSE, Sabadell and Ethnikos were among the teams to record convincing wins.
Six matches were played across four groups, with several clubs taking important steps towards securing their places in the group stage.
Rapallo Hold Off Dunaujvaros Comeback
Italian side Rapallo claimed arguably the most significant victory of the opening day, defeating hosts Dunaujvaros 8-7 in Hungary.
Rapallo established a 4-1 lead in the opening quarter and maintained their three-goal advantage at half-time, with experienced Italian international Roberta Bianconi playing a crucial role.
Dunaujvaros fought back after the break but were left frustrated by missed opportunities, including three unsuccessful penalties during the match.
Bianconi’s third goal helped Rapallo restore their advantage in the final quarter, before a late Hungarian comeback reduced the deficit to one.
Brigitta Horvath scored with 43 seconds remaining, but Dunaujvaros could not find an equaliser.
UVSE Dominate in Berlin
Hungarian side UVSE made an impressive start with an 18-7 victory over Spandau 04.
The visitors raced into a 7-1 lead during the opening quarter and never surrendered control, establishing themselves as strong favourites to progress from Group A.
With just three teams competing in the group, the commanding victory guarantees a spot in the next round of the Champions League.
Spanish Clubs Make Their Mark
Sabadell began life under new head coach Enric Arnella with a remarkable 26-4 victory over Dutch side Donk.
The Spanish champions opened with eight unanswered goals and continued their dominance throughout the encounter.
Fellow Spanish club Terrassa also impressed, defeating Lille 25-7, while reigning Euro Cup winners Catalunya recorded a convincing 21-8 victory over Greek hosts Glyfada.
Elsewhere, Ethnikos produced the highest score of the opening day, overwhelming French opponents Grand Nancy 28-6.
Women’s Champions League – Day 1 Results
Group A
- Spandau 7-18 UVSE
Group B
- Dunaujvaros 7-8 Rapallo
Group C
- Grand Nancy 6-28 Ethnikos
- Glyfada 8-21 Catalunya
Group D
- Lille 7-25 Terrassa
- Sabadell 26-4 Donk
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