Montenegrin sharpshooter Vlado Popadic delivered a masterclass, scoring eight goals to lead Strasbourg to a stunning 16-13 victory over reigning champions Jug Dubrovnik on day two of the men’s Euro Cup Group Stage. Strasbourg battled back from a two-goal deficit in the third quarter to secure an unforgettable victory, marking one of the standout performances of the competition so far.
Elsewhere across Europe, Panionios claimed a dramatic derby win against Vouliagmeni in Greece, and Panathinaikos edged past Honved in a tense match in Budapest.
Group A: Strasbourg Stun Jug, Brescia Beat Apollon
Strasbourg’s victory over Jug sent shockwaves across the continent. After a pulsating first quarter that ended 5-5, Jug appeared to take control, edging ahead 9-7 early in the third. However, Strasbourg responded with a 5-0 run that turned the game on its head, entering the final quarter 12-10 up. Despite Jug’s efforts to rally, Popadic’s relentless scoring sealed the French side’s sensational victory.
In the group’s other match, Italian giants Brescia held off a spirited Apollon Smyrnis to win 11-9. Brescia’s American star Max Irving, who struggled last week, netted a crucial hat-trick to help his team maintain their perfect start to the Euro Cup.
Group B: Panionios Triumph in Greek Derby
Panionios edged their local rivals Vouliagmeni 10-9 in a closely fought encounter. Vouliagmeni started brightly, taking a 4-1 lead, but Panionios gradually clawed their way back, leveling the score early in the fourth quarter. Alexandros Gounas struck the winning goal with just 54 seconds remaining, leaving Vouliagmeni winless after two games.
In Budapest, BVSC-Manna ABC put on a dominant display, thrashing Ortigia 17-11 to claim their second consecutive win. A devastating second-quarter burst saw BVSC race into a 10-5 halftime lead, from which the Italians could never recover.
Group C: Szolnok and Recco Dominate
Szolnoki Dozsa crushed ASC Duisburg 17-9, with a relentless eight-goal second quarter that left the German side with no chance of recovery. Meanwhile, Pro Recco overcame HAVK Mladost 16-13 in a fiery match featuring 40 exclusions. Despite the chaotic encounter, Recco’s clinical performance kept them in control throughout.
Group D: Panathinaikos Edge Honved
In another thrilling encounter, Panathinaikos snatched a 12-11 win over Honved, with Victor Rasovic’s extra-man goal sealing the victory in the dying moments. Honved fought hard but were unable to hold off the Greek side’s late surge.
CN Barcelona also made it two wins from two, overcoming VK Sabac 14-9 after a powerful final quarter, ensuring they remain at the top of the group.
Catch all the Euro Cup Men Group Stage action on EuroAquaticsTV.