Croatian and Serbian clubs may not share a league this season, but their rivalry continues on the European stage. The 2026 Champions League brings two headline matchups this week between the top teams from both nations — both taking place in Croatia.
On Wednesday, Mladost Zagreb will host Radnički Kragujevac in Group A, while Jadran Split welcomes Novi Beograd in Group B on Tuesday evening. These fixtures headline a thrilling week of continental action, which also includes the Group D derby between Barceloneta and Marseille, and the second round of the Euro Cup later in the week.
Group A: Mladost vs Radnički – A Familiar Rivalry
- Tuesday, October 28: Vasas – Olympiacos (20:30)
- Wednesday, October 29: Mladost – Radnički (20:30)
Both Mladost and Radnički have undergone major changes since last season. Mladost failed to lift a trophy in 2024/25, while Radnički celebrated a domestic double — winning both the Serbian and Regional League titles — and reached the Euro Cup final. This time, Mladost will aim to settle old scores.
The teams met five times last season, with Radnički winning four. The Serbs edged Mladost in the Champions League qualifiers, triumphed twice in the Regional League, and eliminated them in the Euro Cup semifinals despite losing the first leg in Zagreb (13–10). In the return match, Radnički turned it around decisively (15–8).
The Champions League is still in its early stages, but points already carry weight in this balanced group. Mladost, playing at home, faces more pressure after a relatively comfortable start to the season. Radnički, meanwhile, has learned hard lessons from two early defeats and arrives battle-tested.
Standings: 1. Olympiacos 3pts, 2. Radnički 3, 3. Vasas 0, 4. Mladost 0.
Group B: Jadran Split vs Novi Beograd – The Balkan Clash
- Tuesday, October 28: Pro Recco – Jadran HN (20:30)
- Tuesday, October 28: Jadran S – Novi Beograd (20:30)
Few fixtures capture Balkan water polo’s passion like Jadran Split vs Novi Beograd. The two clubs have met 13 times, with Novi Beograd winning 12. Jadran’s sole victory came in the 2023/24 Regional League (14–12).
Last season, the Serbians dominated — winning all four meetings, including two Champions League games (17–8 and 15–7). However, Jadran enters this season stronger and hungrier for revenge.
Injuries could play a decisive role: Jadran captain Jerko Marinic Kragic remains sidelined, while Novi Beograd may again be without Cuk, Lukic, and Radovic, who missed the recent draw against Jadran Herceg Novi. New signings Vasic and Sulc will not yet be eligible for Champions League play.
In Genova, Pro Recco will host Jadran Herceg Novi, marking the return of former Recco captain Aleksandar Ivovic, now Jadran’s sports director. A pre-match ceremony will honour his 13 years at the club. Once play begins, however, the Italians are unlikely to show sentimentality.
Standings: 1. Pro Recco 3pts, 2. Jadran HN 3, 3. Jadran S 0, 4. Novi Beograd 0.
Group C: Brescia vs Ferencváros – A Modern Classic
- Tuesday, October 28: Oradea – Primorac (20:30)
- Wednesday, October 29: Brescia – Ferencváros (20:30)**
A battle between two European heavyweights awaits in Brescia. Both sides opened their campaigns with victories and are early contenders for the quarterfinal stage.
The Italian side, rebuilt with several young talents, has not beaten Ferencváros since an 8–4 win nearly three years ago. The Hungarians, meanwhile, have lost just twice across all competitions in the past two seasons and are aiming to extend that remarkable run.
In Oradea, the Romanian champions face Primorac Kotor, needing a strong response after their heavy opening defeat to Ferencváros.
Standings: 1. Ferencváros 3pts, 2. Brescia 3, 3. Primorac 0, 4. Oradea 0.
Group D: Barceloneta vs Marseille – A Battle of Semifinalists
- Wednesday, October 29: Waspo Hannover – Sabadell (18:30)
- Wednesday, October 29: Barceloneta – Marseille (20:30)**
This is arguably the match of the round. Barceloneta and Marseille—two semifinalists from last season—meet again after the Spaniards cruised to a 19–9 win in the bronze-medal match in Malta. The scoreline was flattering; Marseille remains a formidable opponent.
Both sides have invested in youth but retained their world-class cores. Barceloneta, backed by home support and strong tradition, enters as the favourite, having lost to Marseille only once — back in 2012/13.
Elsewhere, Waspo Hannover will be desperate to end their European winless streak (dating to November 2023) when they host Sabadell, but based on form, the Germans face another uphill task.
Standings: 1. Marseille 3pts, 2. Barceloneta 3, 3. Sabadell 0, 4. Hannover 0.
Euro Cup Round 2: Thursday Highlights
Thursday’s Euro Cup Round 2 fixtures bring several exciting derbies: Szolnok – Trieste, BVSC – Panathinaikos, and Savona – Šabac headline the schedule.
- Group A: ASC Duisburg – Jug, Terrassa – Solaris (20:30)
Standings: Solaris 3, Jug 3, Terrassa 0, Duisburg 0. - Group B: Barcelona – Dinamo Bucharest, Szolnok – Trieste (18:00)
Standings: Trieste 3, Szolnok 3, Dinamo 0, Barcelona 0. - Group C: BVSC – Panathinaikos, Buducnost – Vouliagmeni (18:00)
Standings: Panathinaikos 3, Vouliagmeni 2, BVSC 1, Buducnost 0. - Group D: Savona – Šabac (19:00), Steaua – Spandau 04
Standings: Šabac 3, Savona 3, Spandau 0, Steaua 0.
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