The Women’s Champions League group stage begins on Saturday, with 16 clubs competing across four groups for eight places in the quarter-finals.
Defending champions Olympiacos begin their campaign against domestic rivals Ethnikos, while last season’s finalists FTC face a challenging trip to Rome. Elsewhere, several Spanish and Hungarian contenders face important opening fixtures.
Olympiacos face familiar opponents
Olympiacos begin their title defence against Ethnikos, just two weeks after defeating their Piraeus rivals 13-10 in the Greek league.
That encounter was far from straightforward. Ethnikos led 10-9 during the fourth quarter before Olympiacos scored four unanswered goals to secure victory.
The European champions enter Saturday’s rematch following another impressive domestic victory, defeating Vouliagmeni 17-11 last weekend.
FTC face difficult Italian test
Last season’s runners-up Ferencvaros travel to SIS Roma looking to begin another European campaign with three points.
The Hungarian champions enter as favourites, but Roma represent dangerous opposition and will be determined to make home advantage count.
Group D also features Sabadell hosting Rapallo, with both clubs looking to establish an early advantage.
De Zaan welcome UVSE
One of the most intriguing fixtures takes place in the Netherlands, where De Zaan host Hungarian giants UVSE.
The Dutch champions strengthened considerably over the summer, welcoming back internationals Maxine Schaap and Vivian Sevenich, alongside goalkeeper Britt van den Dobbelsteen.
Dobbelsteen played a decisive role in Olympiacos’ European triumph last season and has already impressed for De Zaan, recording 17 saves against Dunaujvaros during qualification.
Elsewhere in Group A, Spanish champions Mataro welcome BVSC, last season’s Hungarian league runners-up, in another important early encounter.
Sant Andreu begin new era
The 2025 European champions Sant Andreu enter the competition following significant changes to their squad and coaching staff.
After three consecutive Final Four appearances, the Spanish side face a difficult rebuilding process, beginning with a home encounter against Vouliagmeni.
Trieste host Catalunya in the group’s other fixture, while Group C concludes with Terrassa facing Italian giants Orizzonte.
With only the top two teams progressing from each group, Saturday’s opening matches could already prove important in the race for the quarter-finals.
Women’s Champions League – Round 1 Fixtures
Group A
- Mataro vs BVSC
- De Zaan vs UVSE
Group B
- Sant Andreu vs Vouliagmeni
- Trieste vs Catalunya
Group C
- Olympiacos vs Ethnikos
- Terrassa vs Orizzonte
Group D
- Sabadell vs Rapallo
- SIS Roma vs FTC
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