The penultimate day of the Champions League Quarter Final Stage may see all four Final Four spots booked – however, the recent World Cup break may have an impact on the performances, meaning four exciting encounters are in sight this week.
Group B
Tuesday 22nd April 2025
(CET times shown)
Standings: 1. FTC 10, 2. CNAB 8, 3. Savona 6, 4. Oradea 0
20.00 FTC-Telekom (HUN) v RN Savona (ITA)
Previous results:
FTC: WWWL
SAV: WLLW
Head-to-head: 1-0
Day 2: 17-9
Though Ferencvaros’ magnificent 40-game winning streak came to an end in the previous round against Barceloneta, the Hungarians are still sitting in the driving seat as they gained a point on Day 4 (despite losing the shootout).
Just like their opening day magic against the Spaniards was perhaps a bit of an over-achievement (beating them 18-10), the same goes for their overwhelming performance in Savona where they thrashed the Italians 17-9 on Day 2.
Many bet that on Tuesday evening they will face a much tougher encounter against the Italians, who are looking to grab their last chance to make the cut for the finals. And the Italians didn’t stop for the World Cup break as they were not part of the show in Podgorica, so Savona are very much in-play, unlike Fradi, whose players were involved largely, and as a team, the title-holders haven’t played a game since Day 4.
To gear up, they had a joint training camp and an exhibition match with Savona’s local arch-rivals Pro Recco. This might have helped them to regain their rhythm, still, this upcoming match promises a good fight.
As for the outcome, even a shootout loss would be enough to send FTC through, while Savona need a regular time win to keep their slim hopes alive.
20.00 CSM Oradea (ROU) v Zodiac CNAB (ESP)
Previous results:
ORA: LLLL
CNAB: LWWW
Head-to-head: 0-3
Day 2: 4-17. 2012-13: 5-15, 8-12 (eight-finals)
It’s hard to see any other result than a Spanish win in this match. They outclassed the Romanians at home, and many of their players should be in an upbeat mood after the national team’s World Cup victory – so they are well set to cash in three more points.
Assuming Savona don’t pull off a remarkable win in Budapest, a victory for CNAB would be enough for CNAB to make the cut and return to the finals after missing the grand occasion last year.
Group A
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
(CET times shown)
Standings: 1. Marseille 9, 1. Novi Beograd 9, 3. Olympiacos 4, 4. Jadran 2
20.00 VK Novi Beograd (SRB) v Olympiacos SFP (GRE)
Previous results:
NBG: WWWL
OLY: WLLL
Head-to-head: 2-2 (1d)
Day 2: 8-5. 2023-24: 6-9 (F4, bronze). 2022-23: 13-11 (F8, QF). 2021-22: 12-12, 9-12
After three straight losses, including the Day 4 heart-breaker against bottom-ranked Jadran at home, Olympiacos are heading to the exit.
For some players, the silver medal from the World Cup may serve as a morale booster, and changing the coach of the club may also be a push to grab their very last chance in Belgrade.
Georgios Ntoskas, who replaced Hrvoje Koljanin, still faces a mountain to climb and their first challenge couldn’t have been any harder – an away game against Novi Beograd.
The Serbs enjoyed a great run in the first half of this stage, but Marseille beat them soundly on Day 4. It’s to be seen if they are able to recover from that shock – indeed, their local stars could play and train together as the Serbs failed to make the World Cup finals.
For the Greeks, only three points will keep them alive, but ultimately it still might not save them from dropping out the race. NBG need just a point from this clash to make the cut for Malta.
20.00 VK Jadran Split (CRO) v CN Marseille (FRA)
Previous results:
JAD: LLLW
MAR: LWWW
Head-to-head: 0-5
Day 2: 9-11. 2023-24: 12-14, 10-17 (2017-18, Euro cup QF: 10-11, 5-7)
Finally on Day 4, Jadran broke their curse in the Quarter Final Stage, as they won a game after nine straight losses (including last season).
But that stunning result against Olympiacos in Piraeus – with Marko Bijac’s four penalty stops and one more which gave them the win in the shootout – was still not enough to stay in the hunt.
However, the Croats played for pride and helped rebuild their reputation – and it was also an alarm call for Marseille that they can not take anything granted during their visit to Split.
The French giants have hit tremendous form and are on a three-game winning streak. Their brilliant five-goal triumphs against Olympiacos (12-7), and Novi Beograd (14-9) even put them in pole position to win the group – though they have to keep their feet on the ground and deliver on the last two days to secure their spot in the Final Four.
This is going to be an exciting encounter – Marseille have done great at home, but now they have two away games where they have to prove their quality.
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Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics