The quest for European water polo glory returns, as the Champions League Women Qualification Round starts this Thursday. Over the next four days, 25 teams will battle it out across five venues in Europe, all competing for just 11 coveted spots in the Group Stage.
With the men’s qualification phase recently concluded, it’s now the women’s turn to showcase their skills. Fans can expect nail-biting action as only the top two teams from each of the five groups – plus the best third-placed team – will advance. With a packed schedule, this weekend promises intense competition as teams give it their all for a spot in the next phase of the tournament.
Group A: Sant Andreu aim to continue their magic in Athens
Last season’s surprise package, Spain’s CN Sant Andreu, who made it all the way to the Final Four, enters the qualification round as favorites in Group A. The Spanish club will travel to Athens, where they will face stiff competition from local favorites Panionios, Hungary’s FTC-Telekom, De Zaan from the Netherlands, and Italy’s Rapallo Pallanuoto. While Sant Andreu’s success last year places them in the spotlight, the unpredictable nature of these groups means anything can happen.
Group B: A Wide open contest in Ede
Group B promises to be one of the most unpredictable matchups, taking place in Ede, Netherlands. The hosts, Polar Bears, will be joined by two Hungarian powerhouses, Dunaujvaros and BVSC, as well as two French sides, Lille UC and Grand Nancy. Dunaujvaros enters with a strong reputation, but as we’ve seen time and time again, past accolades don’t guarantee a win.
Group C: Hosts Padova face tough Greek opposition
Group C, hosted in Italy by Plebiscito Padova, will see the Italians face off against two strong Greek teams, Ethnikos Piraeus and Alimos NAC , both of whom made it to the Group Stage last season. Adding to the excitement are Spain’s Tenerife Echeyde and Israel’s Hapoel Yoqneam, making this group another tough battleground. Padova, with the home advantage, will look to defend their ground against formidable opponents.
Group D: Italian Giants Take Center Stage in Eger
Hungary’s Eger will play host to Group D, featuring two of Italy’s best: SIS Roma and Pallanuoto Trieste. Both teams will be looking to assert their dominance, but they will have to watch out for Spain’s CN Terrassa and two Hungarian clubs Eger and Kerulet TVE. With two Italian teams in the mix, this group may tilt in their favour, but nothing is guaranteed.
Group E: Greeks visit Berlin
Berlin’s Group E will see two top Greek teams, Vouliagmeni NC and ANC Glyfada, taking on local favorites Spandau 04, alongside Spain’s CN Catalunya and the Netherlands’ GZC Donk. The Greek teams are known for their strength, but the home crowd will be rallying behind Spandau to provide a potential upset.
Watch Live and Stay Updated
All Champions League Women Qualification Round matches can be streamed live on euroaquaticstv.com, giving fans the chance to follow the action as it unfolds.
Champions League Women – Qualification Round Schedule
Thursday, 3rd October – Sunday, 6th October 2024
Group A (Athens):
- FTC-Telekom (HUN)
- CN Sant Andreu (ESP)
- ZV De Zaan (NED)
- Panionios GSS (GRE)
- Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA)
Group B (Ede):
- Dunaujvaros (HUN)
- Lille UC (FRA)
- BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN)
- Grand Nancy (FRA)
- Polar Bears (NED)
Group C (Padova):
- Plebiscito Padova (ITA)
- Ethnikos Piraeus (GRE)
- Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
- Tenerife Echeyde (ESP)
- Hapoel Yoqneam (ISR)
Group D (Eger):
- SIS Roma (ITA)
- CN Terrassa (ESP)
- Digi-Eger (HUN)
- Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA)
- III. Keruleti TVE (HUN)
Group E (Berlin):
- Vouliagmeni NC (GRE)
- ANC Glyfada (GRE)
- Spandau 04 (GER)
- CN Catalunya (ESP)
- Widex GZC Donk (NED)
Teams Already Qualified for Group Stage:
- CN Mataro (ESP)
- Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)
- Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
- UVSE Budapest (HUN)
- Orizzonte Catania (ITA)