The Women’s Euro Cup semi-finals are here, with four top teams battling for a spot in the final. Last year’s runners-up Pallanuoto Trieste host debutants CN Tenerife Echeyde, while ANC Glyfada iRepair take on 2024 bronze medalists ZV De Zaan in Athens.

Semi-Final First-Leg Fixtures

Saturday, January 25, 2025 (Local times):
15:00 – ANC Glyfada iRepair (GRE) vs ZV De Zaan (NED)
20:30 – Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA) vs CN Tenerife Echeyde (ESP)

Glyfada looks to upset De Zaan’s streak

The first semi-final sees Glyfada hosting De Zaan, with the Dutch side boasting a strong track record in this matchup. Last season, De Zaan defeated Glyfada twice in the group stage, 9-8 in Athens and 14-10 in Amsterdam.

Despite this, Glyfada has shown resilience this season, finishing strong in the Euro Cup quarter-finals. Team captain Zoi Tzortzakaki, who netted four goals in the last round, expressed her team’s determination:

“Reaching the semi-finals is a fantastic accomplishment, and we are ready to give everything we have to fight for a place in the final.”

De Zaan, the overall top scorers in Qualification Round 2, are confident in their ability to deliver another strong performance. Head coach Mick van den Bree said:

“We’ve had close and exciting games against Glyfada in the past, and we’re prepared for another tough battle. The team is ready to give their best.”

The second-leg in Amsterdam is set for February 15th, making this weekend’s match a crucial first step for both teams.

Trieste prepares for Tenerife challenge

In the second semi-final, Pallanuoto Trieste welcomes newcomers Tenerife, who have already made history by reaching the last four in their debut European campaign.

Trieste comes into this clash with confidence, having defeated Tenerife 10-7 in the group stage earlier this season. Head coach Paolo Zizza emphasized the importance of consistency:

“We know Tenerife well, but this time we need to raise our game and deliver a solid performance to approach the return leg with an advantage.”

For Tenerife, this season has been a dream come true. The Spanish side, led by coach Enrique Cruz, is eager to continue their Cinderella story.

“We are living a dream,” Cruz said. “The team has worked hard to balance two competitions, and we’re determined to fight until the end. Playing in Trieste will be tough, but we’re ready to leave everything in the pool.”

Natalia Naya, who scored a hat-trick in the October clash against Trieste, added:

“Reaching the semi-finals is historic for our club. We know the challenge ahead, but we believe in ourselves and are focused on keeping the tie alive for the second leg.”

Catch the Women’s Euro Cup Semi-Finals live at www.euroaquaticstv.com.