March 2026

Barceloneta claimed a sound home win against arch-rivals Olympiacos on Day 3 of the Champions League Quarterfinal Stage. Scoring 20 against the Greek giants is a tremendous feat, and it came with an added bonus – with Brescia stunning Novi Beograd in the other game, the Spaniards are already six points clear after three rounds and firmly on their way to Malta once more. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 3 Group A (Tuesday 31 March) Zodiac CNAB (ESP) 20-13 Olympiacos SFP (GRE) AN Brescia (ITA) 12-11 VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) Standings: 1. CNAB 9pts, 2. NBG 3pts, 2. Olympiacos 3pts, 2. Brescia 3pts Zodiac CNAB (ESP) 20-13 Olympiacos SFP (GRE) (4-4, 6-4, 5-3, 5-2) Barceloneta dismantled Olympiacos with a tremendous attacking display, as their Hungarian sniper Vince Vigvari led the charge with seven goals and the Spaniards managed to hit 20 in the game – something they do with ease against lower-ranked rivals, but not against such elite opponents. That total was also extra special considering the Greeks’ coach Elvis Fatovic was probably expecting a different outcome upon returning to Barceloneta, where he had spent the previous four years. Neither side held back, producing a brilliant opening period with four goals apiece, many of them true masterpieces. Barceloneta took the lead four times, but Olympiacos always found the equaliser. Vince Vigvari lit the flame by netting the first two for the Spaniards, while Dimitrios Nikolaidis and Evangelos Pouros replied, both from action. Roger Tahull came up with a trademark centre-shot, but Dimitrios Dimou also fired one in from the perimeter. Tahull added another from the centre before the Greeks scored their first six-on-five through Gergo Zalanki. Almost two minutes into the second period, a chain of crucial events unfolded. The Greeks earned a penalty, but Unai Aguirre saved Zalanki’s shot. In the very next possession, CNAB also drew a penalty and Bernat Sanahuja converted. The Spaniards then killed a man-down, Vigvari struck from the outside, and within 16 seconds Marc Valls scored on a counter. In just 90 seconds, when Olympiacos might have taken the lead for the first time at 4-5, they instead found themselves trailing 7-4. Elvis Fatovic called a time-out, fully aware of what CNAB could do in such moments. Although Dimou pulled one back immediately, Unai Biel converted a six-on-five and Alberto Munarriz buried a penalty for 9-5. The Greeks were not done. Konstantinos Kakaris earned another penalty, Alexandros Papanastasiou converted, and 46 seconds later Ioannis Fountoulis sent a pinpoint shot into the net to halve the deficit. After his earlier long-range strikes, Vigvari added a fine drive from close range, but Kakaris drew yet another penalty and Fountoulis scored again to set the 10-8 half-time score. CNAB came back strongly after the restart, as Sanahuja and Vigvari converted back-to-back six-on-fives to restore the four-goal gap. Although Olympiacos responded, Alberto Munarriz struck from distance. Dimou managed to beat Aguirre again, but the Spanish goalkeeper produced a tremendous save on Daniel Angyal’s close-range effort – a crucial moment. Instead of cutting the deficit to two, Vigvari’s wrist-shot on a six-on-five made it 14-10. Dimou continued to deliver for the Greeks, scoring another extra 28 seconds from time, but Gergo Burian answered with a long-range missile to secure a commanding 15-11 lead for CNAB heading into the final quarter. The home side needed just 20 seconds to extend the gap to five for the first time, as Sanahuja converted another penalty. Dimou responded with his fifth, but CNAB again had Vigvari, who took his tally to seven with an outstanding 6m blast for 17-12. The next three minutes highlighted Olympiacos’ struggles, as they wasted two more six-on-fives, before Alejandro Bustos added another from action with 3:00 remaining. The contest had already been decided by then, and the closing minutes only confirmed the collapse of the Greek defence, with Munarriz scoring twice in the final minute to bring CNAB to 20 goals – a memorable night for the Spaniards, and one for Olympiacos to forget quickly. AN Brescia (ITA) 12-11 VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) (3-1, 3-3, 4-4, 2-3) Brescia are alive and well after downing Novi Beograd with a series of fine plays, and now sit on three points alongside the Serbs and Olympiacos, keeping all their chances intact for a place in the Final Four. The opening six minutes were marked by intense battling, plenty of swimming and physical contact, along with three missed six-on-fives – two by NBG – before Tommaso Gianazza broke the deadlock with a fine action goal. Just 44 seconds later, Alessandro Balzarini added another from a counter, and from the next possession Jacopo Alesiani converted a six-on-five for 3-0. Before falling further behind, the Serbs earned a penalty and Vasilije Martinovic put them on the scoreboard 28 seconds before the first break. Martinovic added a six-on-five early in the second period, but Vincenzo Dolce responded in kind at the other end. Brescia then killed two man-downs and Filippo Ferrero struck, not from a classic counter but with a brilliant body-to-body finish from the wing that beat Milan Glusac. Martinovic continued to lead Novi, scoring again from the perimeter, and soon Stefan Pjesivac joined him with a close-range finish on a six-on-five. After the Serbs denied Brescia’s six-on-five, they had a chance to level, but Tommaso Baggi Necchi produced an excellent save on Milos Cuk. Instead, Stefano Guerrero converted a man-up for the Italians, who led 6-4 at half-time. The importance of that save, which denied NBG the chance to make it 5-5, became clear early in the third. Vincenzo Dolce struck from a very sharp angle on a six-on-five, then Ferrero converted a penalty to put Brescia 8-4 ahead in just over a minute. Pjesivac pulled one back with a well-worked man-up, but Mario del Basso replied from centre and Alesiani added another from a counter 25 seconds later, leaving the Belgrade side in deep trouble at 10-5. Martinovic answered with a long-range effort, and although Cuk missed another

The clash of the two giants, Barceloneta and Olympiacos is one of the highlights of Day 3 in the Champions League Quarterfinal Stage, while FTC’s visit to Zagreb also offers something big, as Mladost are yet to lose a game at home, while the title-holders are yet to lose one away. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 3(Local times shown) Group A (Tuesday 31 March) 20.30: Zodiac CNAB (ESP) v Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 20:30: AN Brescia (ITA) v VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) Group B(Wednesday 1 April) 20.30: Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) v Pro Recco (ITA) 20.30: Mladost Zagreb (CRO) v FTC-Telekom (HUN) Group A (Tuesday 31 March) 20.30: Zodiac CNAB (ESP) v Olympiacos SFP (GRE) Head-to-head: 7-8 (3d) 2023-24: 13-13, pen: 5-6, 7-10. 2022-23: 9-7, 10-5. 2021-22: 4-8, 9-5. 2020-21: 22-9 (quarter-final). 2019-20: 11-11, 15-9. 2017-18: 7-7, 10-14, 4-6 (semi-final). 2015-16: 7-7, 5-9. 2014-15: 9-7, 12-8. 2013-14: 8-9, 10-11. It’s the big match of this round, and it comes with some extra flavour as Olympiacos’ head coach Elvis Fatovic had been in charge of Barceloneta for the previous four seasons. Since the Greeks dropped three points on the opening day in Belgrade, they are under some pressure, though their convincing home win against Brescia was a good sign they had bounced back from that loss. At the same time, Barceloneta have done really well so far, even conceding 16 goals against NBG one week ago on home soil was a somewhat uncharacteristic development – however, a 3-0 run at the end, which secured their second win, erased some of the bad memories. This round is unique anyway as the teams have only had one week to prepare since their last outing, so it didn’t leave much time for analysis. Both giants will need to focus on their own strengths in the first instance. The outcome is unpredictable – it may be as balanced as their extremely rich history, where Olympiacos hold an 7-8 edge. “As the competition progresses, every match becomes more and more important” CNAB’s coach Fran Fernandez said. “Securing victories at home is almost an obligation if we want to earn a place in the Final 4. “We want to make the most of the Sant Sebastià factor and keep adding wins to our record. We know how difficult this match will be. “On one hand, there is Elvis Fatović, a recent (and very successful) part of our club’s history. He knows our players very well, which will be an added challenge. “On the other hand, Olympiacos has a great squad – a team built around very strong centre-forwards and top-level shooters, supported by solid, experienced players. It’s a mix of veteran players and new generations that makes them one of the favorites this year. “Without a doubt, it will be a Champions League classic worth watching – a very balanced match that will likely be decided by small details. I trust in the good moment my team is going through and hope the coin lands on our side.” Olympiacos’ coach Elvis Fatovic focused on his side when asked for his thoughts on the game, “We are expecting a very tough game against one of the best teams in Europe,” he said. “This week probably marks the end of a demanding series of matches we’ve played, including Vouliagmeni, but especially against Brescia, and now Barceloneta. “We are closing this stretch against a team that applies very aggressive pressure and has an excellent counterattack. “We have to be fully prepared. It’s essential to minimise our mistakes in our attack, because they will punish them very easily. “Barceloneta have some of the best shooters in the world and a very recognisable style of play. At the same time, we trust in our own quality. “We believe in our strengths. We know that if we control their counterattack and manage the game well, without unnecessary swimming, we can increase our chances. “As I said, both teams have great players. I believe it will be an enjoyable game for everyone and I hope we will be the better team tomorrow.” The players also have high expectations. “Olympiacos are a very complete team, with great players and a coach who knows the team perfectly” CNAB’s Gonzalo Echenique said. “It will be a very tactical, intense and difficult match, but we are playing at home and we are ready to compete at the highest level and try to make sure the points stay here.” Nikos Gkillas, meanwhile, believes in Olympiacos’ success. “We are in very good form, we are coming off an important victory against Brescia and we have a good rhythm right now. “We know a difficult game awaits us, but if we stay focused and control the tempo, we will have a great chance of winning. “Barceloneta are one of the top teams, with speed, good ball circulation, and a very strong counter-attack. We must limit their transition, play tough defence, and impose our own game.” Group A (Tuesday 31 March) 20:30: AN Brescia (ITA) v VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) Head-to-head: 1-5 (1d) 2023-24: 8-13, 5-13. 2022-23: 9-11, 12-9. 2021-22: 11-11, 13-16, 13-14 (semi-final). Brescia, despite fighting bravely both against Barceloneta and Olympiacous, quickly found themselves on the brink of elimination due to those back-to-back defeats. Perhaps this is their last chance, a home game against Novi Beograd – as since the inauguration of the new format, with groups of four both in the Group and Quarterfinal Stage, no team has managed to make the next phase after starting with three straight defeats. The Serbs, after stunning Olympiacos, also had their chances in Barceloneta, so it’s the good old Novi Beograd story we’ve been watching in the past couple of seasons – a lot of players may have left the club, but NBG cannot be counted out. An away win in Brescia would definitely keep them on track in the race for Malta. NBG’s centre-forward Stefan Pjesivac echoed that in his pre-game statement: “Brescia are a very good team

Title-holders FTC produced the perfect response to their opening-day defeat to Pro Recco, cruising to a comprehensive away win over Waspo 98 Hannover. Elsewhere, Pro Recco’s strong start put them in control against HAVK Mladost and, although the Croatians fought back in the second half, they never came close to troubling the Italians, who maintained their perfect record in the quarterfinal stage. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals, Day 2Wednesday 25 March Group B Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) 13-21 FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN)Pro Recco (ITA) 13-10 HAVK Mladost (CRO) Standings: 1. Pro Recco 6pts, 2. FTC 3pts, 2. Mladost 3pts, 4. Hannover 0pts Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) 13-21 FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) (3-5, 3-5, 3-6, 4-5) Fradi bounced back from their big home defeat against Recco on Day 1, dismantling Hannover’s defence quarter by quarter to secure their first win in the quarterfinal stage. Hannover started in the good old Waspo style that had underpinned many of their home performances in their heydays. Two possessions, two goals – a blast from Denis Strelezkij and a fine six-on-five finish from Mark Gansen for a 2-0 lead after just 61 seconds. However, Fradi responded in a manner worthy of title-holders, converting three six-on-fives and adding a penalty to produce a 0-4 run in less than three minutes. Lazar Vukicevic netted an extra to halt the hosts’ slide, but Akos Nagy struck FTC’s first 6m goal. Soma Vogel then produced a fine save in a double man-down and Fradi also missed an extra, leaving the first half at 3-5. Strelezkij converted Waspo’s next six-on-four just 43 seconds after the restart, but Akos Nagy netted his third to maintain the gap. Vogel delivered another save in man-down, Felix Benke replied in kind at the other end, and shortly after Antonio Buha scored from a strong body-to-body action to keep the Germans close at 5-6. FTC earned a penalty and Stylianos Argyropoulos made no mistake, but Hannover answered with a well-worked six-on-five after a time-out, finished by Marko Macan from close range. Vendel Vigvari’s wrist shot restored a two-goal cushion and Vogel followed with a trademark penalty save. Akos Nagy then struck his fourth from action to give Fradi a three-goal lead for the first time at 6-9. Another stop from Vogel and a fortunate rebound allowed Szilard Jansik to guide the ball into the empty net on the next extra, extending the run to 0-3. A denied man-down at the end secured a 6-10 advantage at half-time. Csongor Lugosi’s spectacular backhand finish in a six-on-five stretched the margin to five immediately after the restart, though Hannover stayed competitive. Despite strong blocks in man-down from the title-holders, Lukas Kueppers and Marko Macan both scored from distance with precise efforts off the post. Fradi remained in control, though, with Krisztian Manhercz and Marton Vamos adding action goals. Vigvari found the net during a late six-on-five, Nikola Milardovic pulled one back from an extra, but Vince Varga responded with 48 seconds remaining to set the third-quarter score at 3-5, mirroring the opening two periods. Edoardo di Somma, however, broke that pattern by finishing a counter at 0:04 for 9-16. Fradi continued to dictate the game and, although it took six more minutes to reach the 20-goal mark, Hannover maintained their scoring rhythm, even adding a late penalty for a fourth goal in the period. The Magyars cruised to a convincing win – though a sterner test awaits in Zagreb next week. Pro Recco (ITA) 13-10 HAVK Mladost (CRO) (5-2, 2-0, 4-5, 2-3) Recco’s aggressive defending resulted in three man-down situations in the opening two minutes, but – similarly to what had happened on Day 1 in Fradi’s pool – they denied Mladost each time, then struck twice in 16 seconds through Francesco Cassia from action and an Alvaro Granados penalty. Mladost finally converted their fifth six-on-five midway through the first period via Franko Lazic, but the usual Recco response followed: Francesco di Fulvio scored from distance and, 33 seconds later, Giacomo Cannella added an action goal for 4-1. Konstantin Kharkov pulled one back with a second man-up conversion, but Recco replied before the break as Andrea Fondelli finished from a rebound for 5-2. Cannella converted the hosts’ first extra in the second period after just 33 seconds, while the Croatians continued to struggle offensively. Two more missed six-on-fives followed, and although Recco also went through a spell of missed chances, di Fulvio eventually made it 7-2 from a six-on-five after a five-minute drought. Left-hander Ivan Nagaev endured a difficult spell, missing his third and fourth attempts in the same extra, leaving Mladost at 2-for-9 in six-on-five situations as Recco led 7-2 at half-time. The pattern shifted after the restart, as the other Russian-born left-hander, Konstantin Kharkov, converted Mladost’s first extra to end a 10:42-minute scoring drought. Recco’s Aussie star Luke Pavillard responded with two action goals, but the Croatians improved in their six-on-five execution, scoring three in a row. Nagaev then found the net from action to bring Mladost back to 9-6 with 1:56 remaining in the penultimate period. The hosts answered quickly, however, as Matteo Iocchi Gratta netted their third action goal of the quarter. Then, with 55 seconds left, Recco earned their first six-on-five, drew a penalty, and Granados restored the five-goal cushion. Mladost responded once more, setting up Josip Vrlic on 2m to make it 4-for-4 on extras in the period, but Recco still held a comfortable 11-7 lead. Max Irving converted the Italians’ first six-on-five of the final period, though they missed the next opportunity and Mladost struck twice in 34 seconds to close to 12-9. Any momentum was short-lived, however, as Andrea Fondelli responded immediately from action on the next possession with 3:39 remaining. Chances went begging at both ends before Kharkov added another extra for 13-10 with 1:11 left, and Recco, managing the closing stages with authority, maintained their perfect record in this season’s Champions League. Watch Champions League action live on European Aquatics TV For full Champions League fixtures, results, stats

The favourites delivered emphatic home wins on Day 2 in Group A of the Champions League Quarterfinal Stage. Olympiacos’ third decisive surge, this time in the fourth period, finally downed Brescia, who fought hard, but ran out of steam at the end. Barceloneta also won by three, though it was a different story against Novi Beograd, as the Serbs kept pace until late. However, the Spaniards pulled away with a superb 3-0 run from 16-16 to win an epic battle. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals, Day 2Tuesday 24 March Group A Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 14-11 AN Brescia (ITA)Zodiac CNAB (ESP) 19-16 VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) Standings: 1. CNAB 6pts, 2. NBG 3pts, 2. Olympiacos 3pts, 4. Brescia 0pts Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 14-11 AN Brescia (ITA) (2-2, 5-2, 3-4, 4-3) Olympiacos landed their first win of the Quarterfinal stage with a convincing victory over Brescia. The Greeks produced three decisive surges across the last three periods, while their rivals managed two comebacks, but were unable to bridge the gap in the fourth quarter. The opening eight minutes saw a balanced game. Olympiacos took the lead twice, but the Italians equalised on both occasions, while their goalkeeper Tomasso Baggi Necchi produced a couple of fine saves. Fellow goalkeeper Panagiotis Tzortzatos also came up with a big stop early in the second quarter in a man-down, and this proved to be the launch of the hosts’ first big run. Nikolaos Gkillas converted an extra in the next possession, then they forced a penalty during a six-on-five, which Konstantinos Genidounias duly buried. Just 49 seconds later he struck again from the perimeter, and after another man-down save from Tzortzatos, Gergo Zalanki unleashed one of his trademark rockets. With 3:45 to go, Olympiacos led 6-2. This prompted a time-out from Brescia coach Sandro Bovo, and it paid off as Vincenzo Dolce scored from their next extra. However, Daniel Angyal responded at the other end to restore the four-goal gap. The Greeks had further chances to extend their lead before Stefano Guerrato found the net from distance to pull one back, and Brescia’s defence denied Olympiacos on their final six-on-five before the long break. The hosts had a brief lapse, missing an early man-up in the third, and soon Jacopo Alesiani converted an extra. Just 22 seconds later, a steal and counter led to a penalty, and Vlado Popadic brought Brescia back to 7-6. However, they were not allowed to go level. A second effort from Ioannis Fountoulis, following a save and a corner, ended Olympiacos’ dry spell. While that goal came after a five-minute wait, the next followed just 53 seconds later from a six-on-five after a time-out, with the veteran sniper again on target. Brescia appeared to lose composure, missing consecutive extras, though Alesiani kept them in touch with a fine perimeter effort. Olympiacos responded with a well-worked move, finished from close range by Ioannis Alafragkis to restore the three-goal cushion (10-7). Still, Brescia struck 13 seconds from the end of the period through Mateo Giri to keep their hopes alive before the final quarter. The visitors reduced the deficit to a single goal with a penalty just 24 seconds into the fourth. After killing a man-down, they had possession to equalise, but a block denied them, and Fountoulis produced another superb action goal for 11-9. Brescia then missed a crucial man-up, and Gkillas added another from action, which highlighted the Italians’ defensive struggles. The Greeks withstood a long Brescia possession before Zalanki netted his third from a man-up. Although Guerrato replied with a powerful effort, Evangelos Pouros answered with a fine even-strength goal for 14-10 with 3:04 remaining. This 4-1 surge, including three action goals, effectively settled the contest, and Brescia no longer had the energy to mount a third comeback. They missed two more man-ups, and Tomasso Gianazza’s neat one-timer in a seven-on-six, 12 seconds from time, had little impact on the outcome. Zodiac CNAB (ESP) 19-16 VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) (6-6, 4-3, 4-4, 5-3) The two winners from Day 1 produced a spectacular battle. Despite having top goalkeepers at both ends, this time the offences dominated, resulting in a 35-goal epic in which the Serbs stayed on equal terms until late in the fourth. Barceloneta, however, delivered a brilliant 3-0 finish in the last two and a half minutes to secure their second win. Novi opened the game with a double in 55 seconds, but CNAB responded in style with two action goals in 52 seconds to make it 2-2. Vuk Milojevic surprised Unai Aguirre once more from a sharp angle, but Roger Tahull finished a fine assist on the two-metre line to convert a man-up from close range, and another well-worked passing move allowed Alberto Munarriz a clean strike for 4-3. The lead did not last long, though, as the Serbs found success from the wings, particularly on the left-handed side, exploiting Aguirre’s angles. At the other end, some underwater trickery from Alessandro Velotto gifted CNAB a goal after a missed man-up, his ‘shark-attack’ stealing the ball from Milan Glusac and sending it into the empty net. Still, Novi Beograd’s goals kept coming, and the action-packed first period ended in a remarkable 6-6 draw. Defences improved in the second period, especially from the Spaniards, who killed two man-downs, while Bernat Sanahuja converted the hosts’ first six-on-five. Nikola Lukic responded with a fine effort from the next extra for 7-7, before a longer scoreless phase followed, nearly two and a half minutes with one missed extra apiece. Munarriz struck from a six-on-five, Aleksa Ukropina replied immediately from a six-on-four, and after killing a man-down, Luka Pljevancic converted from close range to give the Serbs an 8-9 lead with 1:16 remaining in the half. Still, Barceloneta regained the advantage before the long break with two perfectly executed man-ups, as Sanahuja and Gergely Burian both finished clinically within 28 seconds to make it 10-9. Pjesivac added an easy close-range finish in a man-up two minutes into the third, and this time

Both groups feature the same fixtures – the first-round winners face off in one game and the two losers in the other. The highlight is definitely the rematch of last season’s semifinal between Barceloneta and Novi Beograd on Tuesday. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 2(Local times shown) Group A (Tuesday 24 March) 19.30: Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) v AN Brescia (ITA)20:30: Zodiac CNAB (ESP) v VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) Group B(Wednesday 25 March) 20.30: Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) v FTC-Telekom (HUN)20.30: Pro Recco (ITA) v Mladost Zagreb (CRO) Group A (Tuesday 24 March) 19.30: Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) v AN Brescia (ITA) Head-to-head: 7-4 (1d) 2023-24: 17-12, 13-12. 2021-22: 5-8, 7-8. 2018-19: 8-7 (quarterfinal). 2017-18: 13-6, 7-6. 2016-17: 8-4, 10-13, 5-8 ( 5-6th places). 2014-15: 9-9, 8-6. The two losing sides of the first round face off in Day 2’s opener in Piraeus. A second defeat would seriously weaken the chances of advancing for either team, so this is going to be a really tense battle with high stakes. Olympiacos are the favourites at home, and their star-studded line-up should deliver a home win against Brescia. However, the Italians, who are composed, hard-fighting and disciplined, may play with a nothing-to-lose mentality which already made a big impact last December when they managed to upset title-holders FTC. Group A (Tuesday 24 March) 20.30: Zodiac CNAB (ESP) v VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) Head-to-head: 0-3 (1d) 2024-25: 10-10, pen: 4-5 (semi-final). 2022-23: 8-8, pen: 2-4 (semi-final). 2021-22: 12-12, 9-11 Pulling off fine wins in the opening round gave some breathing space in the cruel world of the Quarterfinal Stage, which barely leaves any margin of error for those whose target is to qualify to the Final Four. Barceloneta have been playing quite convincingly ever since they fell to Marseille at home in the Group Stage – they usually overcome any ‘in-game’ hardships and come out on top at the end. But not when they have clashed with Novi Beograd, as the Serbs are probably the only team among their recent rivals whom they could never beat. Their common history includes two painful semi-final defeats, both in shootouts. At the same time, it is also true that apart from their first encounter, Novi Beograd could not beat them in regular time – so this duel promises plenty of excitement for sure. The goalies may have an impact on the outcome as both Unai Aguirre and Milan Glusac came up with recent outstanding performances both in club matches and in their respective national teams – and here just a couple of key saves may prove to be decisive. Group B (Wednesday 25 March) 20.30: Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) v FTC-Telekom (HUN) Head-to-head: 0-3 2020-21: 6-19, 9-13. 2019-2020: 12-15 Title-holders Ferencvaros are in a new situation – after losing badly to Recco at home, they are already under pressure, which has barely happened to them in the last two years. Their Champions League defeats, indeed, the only one inside a season, usually came on Day 4, when they already bagged three victories. Now they are approaching a tricky away game in Hannover where they are still the overwhelming favourites, but Marseille and Sabadell also travelled to Hannover to collect three points in must-win matches, only to leave Waspo’s pool empty-handed. Still, Fradi have some good memories of this venue, as they lifted their first Champions League trophy there in 2019, and since Recco sank them, Fradi showed some signs of life in the domestic league, had a joint training camp with CNAB and are ready to further heal the wounds – though they are facing a real challenge, back-to-back away matches in a week. Still, this should be easier than their next game – a visit to Zagreb. Group B(Wednesday 25 March) 20.30: Pro Recco (ITA) v Mladost Zagreb (CRO) Head-to-head: 5-0 (1d) 2019-20: 11-11. 2014-15: 13-9, 9-5. 2013-2014: 16-2 (qualifications). 2010-11: 11-8, 9-5. Euro Cup, 2024-25: 16-13, 7-4 Recco are already very much reminiscent of their heyday, with one big difference – this time their line-up doesn’t feature all the greatest stars, rather a carefully selected mix of fine warriors and a couple of big boys like Alvaro Granados and Francesco di Fulvio. And ever since they lost the Super Cup final to FTC in October, they are on a winning streak, sweeping all opposition away with powerful performances, rock-solid defending and clinical finishing in attack. After trouncing Fradi in Budapest, it’s hard to see Mladost halting their great run, especially in Italy – though the Croats are also getting stronger and stronger and have the quality to cause some headaches even for Recco. Watch Champions League action live on European Aquatics TV For full Champions League fixtures, results, stats and tables, click here Stay tuned to the European Aquatics Water Polo social media accounts for more news and live updates on Facebook and Instagram Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics