May 2026

Pro Recco secured the expected comfortable win against Hannover to confirm top spot in Group B, settling the only remaining question on the final day of the Champions League Quarterfinals Stage. CNAB also maintained their momentum, defeating Olympiacos in Piraeus to preserve their perfect record in this stage of the competition. Next stop is Malta and the eagerly awaited Final 4. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 6Wednesday 20 May Group A Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 9-12 Zodiac CNAB (ESP) VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) 17-18 AN Brescia (ITA) Standings: 1. CNAB, 18pts, 2. Olympiacos, 8pts, 3. Brescia, 7pts, 4. NBG, 3pts Group B Pro Recco (ITA) 19-9 Waspo 98 Hannover (GER)FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) 16-10 HAVK Mladost (CRO) Standings: 1. Recco, 15pts, 2. FTC, 15pts, 3. Mladost, 3pts, 4. Waspo, 3pts Group A Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 9-12 Zodiac CNAB (ESP) (1-3, 3-3, 2-4, 3-2) Although the Greeks opened the scoring, the Spaniards found their rhythm after five minutes. Vince Vigvari struck twice within just 19 seconds, before Alessandro Velotto added a third from action, while the hosts failed to convert two man-ups. Olympiacos responded strongly in the second period. Dimitrios Nikolaidis scored neatly from the centre and a powerful 6m effort from Konstantinos Genidounias brought the sides level once more. However, CNAB surged again in the latter stages of the quarter, scoring twice within 47 seconds. Gergo Zalanki pulled one back, but Gonzalo Echenique converted a man-up seven seconds before half-time to hand the visitors a 4-6 advantage. Unlike in the opening two periods, the Spaniards started the third quarter at full speed and moved into a 5-8 lead within three minutes. Zalanki ended a five-minute scoring drought for the hosts after Genidounias had earlier missed a penalty, but Roger Tahull responded immediately from the centre and Unai Biel beat the buzzer with a fierce strike for 6-10. CNAB remained firmly in control and the Greeks never looked sharp enough to change the course of the match. Genidounias produced a pair of fine long-range efforts in the fourth quarter, but the visitors answered both times, with Biel converting a penalty and Velotto finishing off a six-on-five to maintain the gap. The final goal came from Dimitrious Dimou, whose pinpoint strike arrived 18 seconds from time. It was another convincing demonstration of CNAB’s outstanding form as the Spaniards completed this stage unbeaten and now head to Malta full of confidence once again. Group A VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) 17-18 AN Brescia (ITA) (6-4, 5-4, 3-5, 3-5) Pride and prestige might have been the only things at stake in this clash, but both sides went all out and produced a thrilling 35-goal encounter featuring 40 major fouls. The Serbs made the stronger start and built a 6-4 advantage. While the Italians worked hard to stay within touching distance, NBG still held an 11-8 lead at half-time, with their key shooters finding the target consistently from open play and well-worked six-on-fives. When Luka Gladovic converted another extra just 55 seconds into the third quarter, NBG appeared firmly in control. After successfully killing a man-down, the hosts earned a man-up chance to extend the margin to five goals, but failed to convert, and Vlado Popadic responded with a powerful 6m strike at the other end. That proved the turning point, as Brescia launched a major comeback. Within a minute, the Italians converted back-to-back man-ups, and the momentum continued as the next two possessions also ended in goals. Brescia produced a stunning 0-5 run in just 2:39 minutes to turn the match around at 12-13. The Serbs reacted through Marko Dimitrijevic’s man-up goal and, 38 seconds later, Viktor Urosevic restored the lead from action, giving NBG a 14-13 advantage heading into the final eight minutes. The hosts then squandered two man-up opportunities before Popadic equalised from action. NBG’s Nikola Lukic then buried a penalty, while the Italians lost their fifth player through three fouls. Brescia earned a penalty during a man-up – with two Serbian players fouled out within 12 seconds – and Filippo Ferrero calmly converted for 15-15 with 5:12 remaining. Just 26 seconds later, Ante Viskovic struck again following a steal and an exclusion. Although two more Italians were excluded for three fouls, leaving Brescia with virtually no substitutes for the final two and a half minutes at 16-16, Mario del Basso blasted home from 6m before Viskovic added another with 1:19 to play to move two clear (16-18). The home side pulled one back and created another possession, but a crucial save denied them in the closing stages as Brescia claimed three more points to finish their campaign on a high note. Group B Pro Recco (ITA) 19-9 Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) (4-3, 3-0, 6-2, 6-4) Pro Recco made a somewhat sluggish start, but Francesco Di Fulvio’s man-up goal with just two seconds remaining in the opening quarter handed the Italians a 4-3 lead. They raised their level significantly in the second quarter and produced a 3-0 run after the Germans had missed a penalty. Andrea Fondelli converted a six-on-four, before Francesco Cassia finished a counterattack and Matteo Iocchi Gratta added another from man-up. Fondelli then struck twice from action within 38 seconds early in the third quarter, effectively putting the match beyond reach. Shortly after, Recco added three more quick goals in the space of just 55 seconds, extending their sequence to a 9-0 run after the 3-3 scoreline. Waspo were kept scoreless for 13:30 minutes before Mark Gansen finally ended the drought. The fourth quarter featured little defensive resistance, with the sides combining for 10 more goals, six of them from Recco, as the Italians cruised to victory and secured top spot in the group. Group B FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) 16-10 HAVK Mladost (CRO) (5-3, 3-3, 5-1, 3-3) Mladost travelled to Budapest without several key players, including Luka Loncar, Ivan Nagaev, Ivan Buljubasic and Marko Radulovic, while Fradi rested Soma Vogel and Edoardo Di Somma ahead of important domestic play-off matches at the weekend. Nevertheless, the sides

All the Final Four berths may have been booked last week, but the top spot in Group B remains at stake. All Pro Recco need is a home win against Waspo 98 Hannover, which should be an achievable goal for the 11-time champions. There is also some jeopardy at the bottom of Group A, as VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija host AN Brescia, with the Serbians needing a regular time win to avoid finishing last. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 6Wednesday 20 May(CET times shown) Group A 20:30: Olympiacos SFP (GRE) v Zodiac CNAB (ESP) 20:30: VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) v AN Brescia (ITA) Standings: 1. CNAB, 15pts, 2. Olympiacos, 8pts, 3. Brescia, 4pts, 4. NBG, 3pts Group B 20.30: Pro Recco (ITA) v Waspo 98 Hannover (GER)20.30: FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) v HAVK Mladost (CRO) Standings: 1. Recco, 12pts, 1. FTC, 12pts, 3. Mladost, 3pts, 3. Waspo, 3pts Group A 20:30: Olympiacos SFP (GRE) v Zodiac CNAB (ESP) Head-to-head: 7-9 (3d) Day 3: 13-20. 2023-24: 13-13, pen: 6-5, 10-7. 2022-23: 7-9, 5-10. 2021-22: 8-4, 5-9. 2020-21: 9-22 (quarter-final). 2019-20: 11-11, 9-15. 2017-18: 7-7, 14-10, 6-4 (semi-final). 2015-16: 7-7, 9-5. 2014-15: 7-9, 8-12. 2013-14: 9-8, 11-10. Olympiacos have already secured their ticket for Malta and Barceloneta have also tied up first place in the group, so this game is more about prestige and pride. And for the Greeks, a bit of revenge, as they suffered their worst beating of the season, across all competitions on Day 3 of the quarterfinals. CNAB blew them away, hitting 20 goals, which would have caused some embarrassment for Piraeus coach Elvis Fatovic, who famously led the Spaniards in the previous seasons. The Croatian maestro did not mention that result exactly in his pre-game statement, but insisted on going for a home win on Wednesday. “We play against one of the teams who probably play the best polo in Europe at this stage,” Fatovic said. “We’re expecting a really tough game, but we’re planning to win. “This game is also a very good preparation for the following finals of our national League and I hope everyone will enjoy it.” Also, maintaining a high level at this stage of the season, when trophies are at stake, is something all serious teams want to achieve – this is what Alexandros Papanastasiou was also talking about. “We all know that, from a standings point of view, Wednesday’s match is not particularly important, but that does not change anything. “We want to be just as serious and ready as we were in the previous matches, and as we want to be going forward. “Barceloneta are a very strong team and this is the best test we could have ahead of the league finals and the Final Four in Malta. These are the two final goals of the season.” CNAB showed in Belgrade that they are taking each game seriously and they won’t change their attitude for Day 6, according to their coach Fran Fernandez. “We reach the final matchday with both teams having already done their homework and the group standings decided. “Therefore, the game is more about feeling and pride. Although it may seem like a low-stakes match, playing against Olympiacos in their own pool is already a great motivation in itself. “We want to maintain our winning streak and, above all, continue playing and improving our water polo.” The CNAB coach’s views were also echoed by his young player Biel Gomila: “It will be a tough game, as they are a great team, but here at San Sebastian we fought well and we won by a big difference. “I think it’s the best game we could have to prepare for Malta and we will need to be ready physically and mentally.” Group A 20:30: VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) v AN Brescia (ITA) Head-to-head: 5-2 (1d) Day 3: 11-12. 2023-24: 13-8, 13-5. 2022-23: 11-9, 9-12. 2021-22: 11-11, 16-13, 14-13 (semi-final). After four straight defeats, Novi Beograd are aiming for a better ending – though they may also have their domestic final series against Radnicki on their minds. For sure, they lost a lot in Brescia when they were defeated in a hard-fought battle, so there is something to play for in this match. Brescia also showed tremendous character when they forced their previous match to a shootout against Olympiacos and a win there would have reserved some chance to make the cut, but earning only one point dropped them out of the race. Visiting Belgrade still offers a fine opportunity for the Italians to prepare themselves for the upcoming grand matches back home. “We’re going to Serbia with the goal of putting in a good performance and giving 100%,” Brescia’s Nicolo Casanova said. “It could give us important insights for the next league match against Pro Recco and then for the playoffs. “Regardless of the result against Novi Beograd, we’re happy with our run in the Champions League. “We dreamed of reaching the Final Four, so there’s a bit of disappointment, but we know we’ve shown we can compete among the top teams in Europe.” Group B 20.30: Pro Recco (ITA) v Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) Head-to-head: 11-0 Day 3: 20-14. 2022-23: 11-8, 21-4. 2021-22: 20-7, 18-3. 2020-21: 19-6 (quarter-final). 2019-20: 21-13. 2018-19: 14-10 (quarter-final). 2016-17: 18-8, 10-7. 2014-15: 14-5 (qualifications). Pro Recco face one final job – to land a home win against Waspo, which would see them top the group. Barring a complete collapse, it’s hard to imagine any scenario where Recco won’t beat the Germans at home. In the past 11 games the two teams have contested, none have gone the other way, so it looks almost certain to be Recco’s time once again. “First place in the group is at stake, which has been our objective since the draw was made,” Recco’s Tommaso Negri said. “Hannover have impressed me a lot. Without doubt, they have been one of the surprises of this season’s Champions League, especially in the first group stage,

After a tremendous battle Olympiacos claimed a shootout win in Brescia and these two points secured their Final Four berth on Day 5 in the Champions League Quarter-final Stage. Barceloneta, already qualified, helped the Greeks with a hard-fought win in Belgrade which denied NBG a last shot at an F4 place. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 5Wednesday 13 May Group A AN Brescia (ITA) 16-17 Olympiacos SFP (GRE) VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) 14-16 Zodiac CNAB (ESP) Standings: 1. CNAB 15pts, 2. Olympiacos 8pts, 3. Brescia 4pts, 4. NBG 3pts AN Brescia (ITA) 16-17 Olympiacos SFP (GRE) (2-2, 4-4, 2-4, 3-1) Penalties: 5-6 Brescia, needing a win to stay in the hunt for qualification, came back from three goals down to save the game to a shootout – but a missed shot in the seventh round ended their hopes. Olympiacos thus returned to the Final Four after a one-year absence. It was quickly apparent that the ‘real’ Brescia were performing in their own pool rather than the version thrashed by Barceloneta in the previous round. Olympiacos led twice in the first period, but Alessandro Balzarini’s blast put the hosts back level 48 seconds before the first break. In the second quarter the Italians made a stormy start, netting three from as many possessions in a span of 1min 35sec, while only a penalty came as a reply, leaving them with a 5-3 advantage. However, the Greeks bounced back, and Konstantinos Genidounias and Alexandros Pouros converted back-to-back man-ups to make it 5-5 in a matter of 43 seconds. They missed an extra to go ahead while Balzarini came up with a great finish at the other end. Brescia defended well in the following man-down too, but they couldn’t survive the third one when Gergo Zalanki let his rocket fly with 1:19 to go and Brescia missed their last six on five, so it stood 6-6 at halftime. The Greeks wasted two more early chances in the third and Tommaso Gianazza hit a brilliant one from the centre. Olympiacos’ struggle to make their extras continued, though their giant centre-forwards delivered them countlessly. Then Dimitrios Dimou’s great bouncing shot ended up in a net from action for 7-7. A fourth exclusion was called alone in this quarter against the hosts – it led to a red card for the Italian assistant coach in the first place and with some luck gave Olympiacos the lead as Ioannis Alfaragkis reacted the fastest to a rebound and sent it to the net. Next came Gianazza, though, who hit another big one from the centre. But the reply was stylish – a breathtaking backhander from Dimitrios Nikolaidis, also from the centre. The remaining 41 seconds brought more pain for Brescia, First they missed their extra, and in the dying seconds Dimou took a shot from 12m or so and it beat the goalie to double Olympiacos’ lead for 8-10. Only 54 seconds into the fourth, Zalanki fired one in from distance and the Greeks managed to maintain their three-goal lead for a longer period. When Vlado Popadic netted a man-up, it was still 9-11 with 3:16 to go and Olympiacos were able to deny Brescia’s next six-on-five. But Brescia pushed on and Balzarini put the fourth extra away with 1:36 remaining. The Piraeus side had a match ball, a man-up with 1:16 to go after a time-out – but Tommaso Baggi Necchi came up with a save and no more attempts came after the corner. Brescia got the ball 36 seconds from time and went for a 7 on 6 after a time-out. It was a brilliantly composed attack as they didn’t go for a shot from the perimeter but set up Mario del Basso on 2m and he sent the ball home to save the match a to a shootout with 0:02 to go. Since the other match already finished and Novi lost to CNAB, here the picture was clear. A win would secure Olympiacos’ Final Four berth, but if Brescia took two points, the decision would have gone to the last round. Emmanouil Zerdevas made the first save in the second round, but Baggi Necchi immediately stopped a shot too. The following rounds saw only buried penalties, just like the first round of the sudden death phase. Then Zalanki buried it again while Viskovic sent his effort painfully wide. Together with the ball, Brescia’s hopes also flew away – while the Greeks could celebrate their return to Malta after missing the last edition in 2025. VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) 14-16 Zodiac CNAB (ESP) (2-3, 3-3, 4-4, 5-6) Despite having secured their Final Four place on Day 4, Barceloneta played with full force and ended Novi Beograd’s run of making the finals for four straight years. In fact, it was a sweet revenge for the Spaniards, who lost to the Serbs in last year’s semi-final. It was a last chance for the Serbs to stay alive after losing narrowly in three away matches in a row – but they were made to realise early that their opponents would not give them anything for free, even though they had nothing to lose in this match. It took more than three minutes for the deadlock to be broken, with Gergely Burian burying the first extra for CNAB and Bernat Sanahuja adding another extraman-goal. After missing a man-up early on, the hosts wasted two more before Milos Cuk had a pinpoint shot in the fourth which put NBG on the scoreboard after seven long minutes. Vince Vigvari responded right away, also from an extra, but Marko Dimitrijevic stunned Unai Aguirre with a brilliant attempt from the perimeter 0:04 from time for 2-3. It seemed a bit of luxury that the Serbs wasted another man-up at the beginning of the second – and it was the third occasion that they couldn’t even manage a shot from the man-advantage. CNAB also had some problems with their six-on-fives but Unai Biel’s 6m blast reset the two goal-gap at 2-4.

Barceloneta have already secured their Final 4 berth, and title-holders FTC-Telekom and 11-time champions Pro Recco are all set to join them on Day 5 of the Champions League Quarter-final Stage. However, the race for the last spot between Olympiacos, Brescia and Novi Beograd is just heating up. 2025/26 Champions League MenQuarterfinals Stage, Day 5(Local times shown) Group A (Wednesday 13 May) 20:30: AN Brescia (ITA) v Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 20:30: VK Novi Beograd Tehnomanija (SRB) v Zodiac CNAB (ESP) Group B(Tuesday 12 May) 20.30: FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) v Waspo 98 Hannover (GER)20.30: HAVK Mladost (CRO) v Pro Recco (ITA) Group B (Tuesday 12 May) 20.30: FTC-Telekom (HUN) v Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) Head-to-head: 4-0 Day 2: 21-13. 2020-21: 19-6, 13-9. 2019-2020: 15-12 Fradi needs just one point to advance to the Final 4, but it’s hard to see them not taking all three at home against Waspo. In Hannover, they were superior right from the beginning as the team bounced back from the opening day’s home defeat to Pro Recco. That match on Day 2 put Fradi back on the winning track, and they went on to add significant victories in Zagreb and, most recently, in Recco. The title-holders may need some time at the beginning to get back into rhythm, as they haven’t played a match since 2 May, but this unusual break also offered them a chance to refuel before the most important phase of the season – and they will also have Dusan Mandic back on board. Perhaps this is not the best piece of news for Waspo, although the Germans have already shown some quality at this stage by bringing down Mladost in the previous round. According to goalkeeper Mark Spittank, they are aware of the realities in Hannover. “FTC will go into the game as the favourites, but we still want to make things difficult for them and keep the match close for as long as possible. “For us, this also serves as excellent preparation for the upcoming final series in the Bundesliga.” FTC’s Zsombor Vismeg also believes they cannot take anything for granted in the Komjadi Pool. “For sure, it’s gonna be a tough game,” he said. “We are preparing very hard for this match. “In Hannover, the beginning was very difficult, but after that we managed to build a comfortable lead and win by a good margin. “Waspo have four or five very good players we need to focus on. If they do not score that many goals, then I think we can turn the game in our favour.” Group B (Tuesday 12 May) 20.30: Mladost Zagreb (CRO) v Pro Recco (ITA) Head-to-head: 0-6 (1d) Day 2: 10-13. 2019-20: 11-11. 2014-15: 9-13, 5-9. 2013-2014: 2-16 (qualifications). 2010-11: 8-11, 5-9. Euro Cup, 2024-25: 13-16, 4-7 Mladost’s slim chances of making the finals were practically burnt to ashes in Hannover, when a 3-0 run from the Germans at the end left the Croats with three points after four rounds. For clarity’s sake, it is worth describing the mathematical path to advancement: their first task would be beating Recco by four goals, plus hoping for the Italian giants to lose to Hannover at home on the last day (or for Fradi to lose to Waspo on Tuesday and Mladost to secure a six-goal win in Budapest on Day 6). It is probably fair to say that not even the Mladost camp believes in either scenario. This match should serve as preparation for the endgame in their domestic league, while Recco may also view it as a serious battleground where they can regain their composure after their heavy loss to Fradi. That game highlighted the problems they have in defence, which seems to have weakened after the World Cup break in mid-April, and this issue must be addressed with one month to go until the Final 4. “Reaching the Champions League Final 4 in Malta is one of our main goals,” said Recco goalie Gianmarco Nicosia. “That’s why we’ll go to Zagreb determined to come away with important points. “We know we’re facing a very tough team at their home pool, and it’s definitely going to be an intense match. “They’ve already beaten top-level teams like Olympiacos and Radnicki in front of their fans, so it will be an even more difficult challenge for us compared to the first game in our group, where we managed to impose our style of play from the very beginning. “I think our defensive approach will make the biggest difference. They have outstanding offensive quality on both sides of the pool, with top-class shooters. “We’ll pay special attention to players like Kharkov, their left-hander, while on the other side we’ll also need to contain the Croatian players, as well as Radulovic, who’s young but extremely strong.” Group A (Wednesday 13 May) 20.30: AN Brescia (ITA) v Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) Head-to-head: 4-8 (1d) Day 2: 11-14. 2023-24:12-17, 12-13. 2021-22: 8-5, 8-7. 2018-19: 7-8 (quarterfinal). 2017-18: 6-13, 6-7. 2016-17: 4-8, 13-10, 8-5 (5-6th places). 2014-15: 9-9, 6-8. Beating Novi Beograd in Piraeus threw Olympiacos a lifeline, but their job is far from finished. The Greeks’ next trip takes them to Brescia, the pool where anything is possible. Here, the Italians managed to upset NBG, which kept them in the race. However, their last game in Barceloneta was anything but promising. Brescia have barely been thrashed by 11 goals in any game, still, that heavy defeat would not matter if the Italians could recover and come up with another strong performance at home. At the same time, an away win might secure Olympiacos’ Final 4 berth, provided Novi don’t take all three points against Barceloneta. There is a good chance that this encounter turns into the standout clash of the round, a hotly contested battle where the decision comes down to the final possessions. “Olympiacos are a very strong team with great centre-forwards and great shooting ability,” Brescia coach Alessandro Bovo told European Aquatics. “They’ve built a Final 4 team with

For the first time, the respective Final Four tournaments in the Champions League Men and Women will be held as joint events when they take place in Malta from June 10-13. There is one month to go until the crowning event of the European club season which will see Malta hosting both the men’s and women’s Champions League Final Four. A joint hosting has never happened before but now the top eight clubs of Europe are set to come together and play for the most prestigious of trophies. Tthe Champions League finals will be contested on back-to-back days in the same pool at the renowned Tal-Qroqq Aquatic Centre. The site has welcomed the men’s top sides in the previous two years. Now the women will join the party to ensure that fans enjoy a truly outstanding water polo spectacle. The women’s Final Fours have previously been held several weeks before the men’s version, and this novel format is testimony to the growth of the women’s game. The joint party will get underway with the women’s semi-finals on June 10, followed the next day by the men’s semi-finals. The medal games of the women’s CL and the men’s bronze medal match will take place on Friday, June 12, with the men’s final concluding the four-day bonanza on Saturday, June 13. Will we see new champions – or will the usual suspects prevail? All will be revealed in a month’s time… Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics