The Women’s Champions League Group Stage saw the competition’s top teams secure their spots in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
With Astralpool CN Sabadell, CN St Andreu, Olympiacos SFP, FTC Telekom Waterpolo, Vouliagmeni NC, and Orizzonte Catania all advancing, the stage is set for an exciting knockout phase. Only a slim chance remains for Assolim CN Mataro to miss out, while the remaining slots will see intense battles in the final two rounds.
Group A: Sabadell and Vouliagmeni Cruise to Qualification
- Astralpool Sabadell (ESP) 12-7 Dunaujvaros WPC (HUN)
- Vouliagmeni NC (GRE) 14-8 CN Terrassa (ESP)
Standings: 1. Sabadell 12, 2. Vouliagmeni 9, 3. Terrassa 2, 4. Dunaujvaros 1
Astralpool Sabadell and Vouliagmeni NC confirmed their places in the quarter-finals with commanding victories. The defending champions Sabadell took a step closer to topping the group with a convincing 12-7 win over Dunaujvaros WPC. Despite a valiant effort by the young Hungarian side, Sabadell’s class shone through, with standout performances from Beatriz and Matilde Ortiz. Rita Keszthelyi’s brilliance in the third quarter proved pivotal, solidifying Sabadell’s dominance.
Vouliagmeni also put on a clinical display, dismantling CN Terrassa 14-8. Dutch star Lola Moolhuijzen was unstoppable with four early goals, while Eleni Xenaki provided a strong presence in the center. The Greeks’ commanding win ensured their progression, leaving little doubt about their quality.
Group B: FTC and Mataro Hold Firm
- Assolim CN Mataro (ESP) 13-5 Polar Bears Ede (NED)
- Antenore Plebiscito Padova (ITA) 11-14 FTC Telekom (HUN)
Standings: 1. FTC 12, 2. Mataro 9, 3. Padova 3, 4. Polar Bears 0
FTC Telekom Waterpolo continued their unbeaten streak, overpowering Plebiscito Padova 14-11 in an intense encounter. The Hungarians relied on early bursts of attacking flair, with a decisive second quarter putting them in control. With this victory, FTC qualified for their first-ever Champions League quarter-final, marking a historic moment for the club.
Meanwhile, Assolim CN Mataro delivered a masterclass in defense, silencing Polar Bears’ high-scoring attack. The Spaniards raced to a 7-1 lead by halftime, with Silvia Morell leading the charge. Polar Bears struggled to find their rhythm, and Mataro’s commanding win nearly guarantees their progression.
Group C: Olympiacos and Donk Rise to the Occasion
- Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 14-11 Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
- SIS Roma (ITA) 11-12 GZC Donk (NED)
Standings: 1. Olympiacos 12, 2. Donk 6, 3. Roma 4, 4. Alimos 2
Olympiacos SFP continued to assert their dominance, dispatching Alimos NAC Betsson 14-11 in an all-Greek clash. Vasiliki Plevritou’s clinical finishing and Stefania Santa’s counterattack brilliance secured the defending champions’ top spot in the group. Despite Alimos’ spirited efforts, Olympiacos maintained their composure, putting the game to bed in the fourth quarter.
The late thriller in Rome saw GZC Donk edge SIS Roma 12-11. Roma held a commanding lead early on, but Donk’s resilience, capped by Brigitte Sleeking’s dramatic winner with eight seconds remaining, turned the tide. Donk’s victory keeps the race for the second qualifying spot alive, with the Dutch side now in pole position.
Group D: St Andreu and Orizzonte March On
- BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN) 10-17 CN Sant Andreu (ESP)
- UVSE-Helia D (HUN) 7-9 Orizzonte Catania (ITA)
Standings: 1. St Andreu 12, 2. Orizzonte 9, 3. UVSE 3, 4. BVSC 0
CN St Andreu and Orizzonte Catania both booked their quarter-final tickets with dominant performances. St Andreu brushed aside BVSC 17-10, with a second-quarter surge paving the way for a comfortable victory. Nona Perez and company ensured the Spanish side retained their perfect record.
Meanwhile, Orizzonte battled past UVSE in a tight contest. The eight-time Champions League winners showed their pedigree in the clutch moments, with Giulia Viacava’s late goal sealing the win. UVSE’s spirited effort fell just short, as Orizzonte’s experience proved the difference.
What’s Next?
The final group stage rounds will determine the remaining quarter-finalists and final seedings. With a packed schedule ahead, the stakes are higher than ever.
Catch all the Women’s Champions League action live on Euro Aquatics TV, and stay tuned to Waterpolo360 for expert analysis and updates!