The 2025–26 Women’s Champions League begins this weekend, promising a thrilling start to Europe’s premier club competition. With a line-up packed with the continent’s most successful and ambitious teams, this season’s group stage is set to deliver high-quality contests from the opening day.
Sixteen teams from ten nations make up the group phase, with the traditional powerhouses once again leading the charge. Hungary and Spain both send four representatives, Italy and Greece each have three, while the Netherlands and Germany complete the field with one club apiece.
Group A features a distinctly Hungarian and Greek flavour, with two clubs from each nation. Olympiacos, who claimed bronze at the previous Final Four, enter as the frontrunners. They open their campaign away to Alimos NAC Betsson, a team that pushed them hard in last season’s group stage. The other fixture pits UVSE Helia-D against DFVE Vizilabda in an all-Hungarian contest. UVSE, still among Europe’s most consistent sides, are strong favourites, though Dunaujvaros’ ability to disrupt more fancied opponents should not be underestimated.
In Group B, two giants of the women’s game meet immediately. Ekipe Orizzonte, eight-time European champions, face Spain’s Astralpool Sabadell, who have lifted the trophy seven times. Sabadell may be without stalwarts Maica Garcia and Judith Forca—both recently becoming mothers—but their squad depth remains formidable. Mataró, meanwhile, have undergone subtle changes, opting for a more homegrown core this year. Their clash with CN Terrassa offers an opportunity to start strong in what could be a tightly contested group.
Group C could provide the most balanced and intriguing battles. FTC-Telekom, newly crowned Hungarian champions, host Greece’s Vouliagmeni NC in a match between two reigning domestic titleholders. Ferencváros have reinforced with major signings, including Hungarian captain Rita Keszthelyi and Spain’s Bea Ortiz, underlining their ambition to challenge for the continental crown. Vouliagmeni, however, are equally capable, led by Eleni Xenaki and strengthened by Dutch internationals Kitty Joustra and Lola Moolhuijzen. Elsewhere, Spandau 04 Berlin and Rapallo Pallanuoto meet in a game that may define which of them can stay in contention.
In Group D, defending champions CN Sant Andreu begin their title defence at home to Hungary’s Eger. After their recent Super Cup victory, Sant Andreu’s confidence and cohesion make them favourites to progress. Eger, who showed impressive form in qualification, will look to frustrate the Spanish hosts. The second fixture between SIS Roma and ZV De Zaan could be decisive in the fight for the group’s second qualification spot, with little to separate the Italian and Dutch sides on paper.
The opening weekend of the Women’s Champions League promises a captivating mix of national rivalries and high-calibre encounters. With several heavyweight clashes scheduled for the first matchday, Europe’s finest clubs are set to deliver a compelling introduction to the new season.
Read more about women’s water polo
Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X