Champions League Women: Crucial matches in sight as Group Stage reaches halfway point

The top-ranked sides are aiming to strengthen their positions on Day 3 of the women’s Champions League Group Stage. Another win would offer extra comfort for Olympiacos, Sabadell, Vouliagmeni and St Andreu, while a couple of teams could edge to the brink of elimination with a third straight loss.

2025/26 Champions League Women
Group Stage, Day 3
Saturday 29 November
(Local times shown)

Group A

16.30: Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE) v UVSE-Helia D (HUN)
18.30: Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) v Dunaujvaros FVE (HUN)

Group B

12.15: Astralpool Sabadell (ESP) v Assolim CN Mataro (ESP)
17.00: Ekipe Orizzonte (ITA) v CN Terrassa (ESP)

Group C

14.00: Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) v FTC-Telekom (HUN)
18.30: Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA) v NC Vouliagmeni (GRE)

Group D

17.00: CN Sant Andeu (ESP) v SIS Roma (ITA)
19.30: ONE Eger (HUN) v ZV De Zaan (NED)

Group A
(Local times shown)

16.30: Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE) v UVSE-Helia D (HUN)
18.30: Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) v Dunaujvaros FVE (HUN)

Here comes the second round of the Greek vs Hungarian battles, with both matches this time taking place in Greece. Olympiacos are overwhelming favourites against Dunaujvaros, as it’s hard to see last year’s bronze medallists slipping up at home, while the earlier game shapes as a last-chance saloon for Alimos to stay in the hunt.

Alimos were badly beaten by both Olympiacos and Dunaujvaros, and now face UVSE, who look stronger than their other Hungarian rivals.

It’s a key game for the Hungarians as well – an away win would put them in a strong position for the second half of the group stage, with two home fixtures still to come against the Greek sides.

Group B
(Local times shown)

12.15: Astralpool Sabadell (ESP) v Assolim CN Mataro (ESP)
17.00: Ekipe Orizzonte (ITA) v CN Terrassa (ESP)

Lunchtime will bring a delicious course of the finest water polo with a classic all-Spanish duel between Sabadell and Mataro. They are neighbours and arch-rivals – and they top the group, so the winners will get some comfort for the remaining three rounds.

The last time Mataro managed an upset was back in May 2024, when they ousted Sabadell in stunning fashion in the domestic league semis. Since then, Sabadell have swept all five encounters, though their most recent meeting three weeks ago went to a shootout, so another thriller is very much on the cards.

“Sabadell are one of the strongest opponents in Europe,” said Mataro coach Elena Padilla Morales. “We’re aware of their potential and their experience in European competition, but we face the match with confidence and the belief that we are working well, things are coming together, and earning points at Sabadell’s home would put us in a good position heading into the second half of the season.”

“We arrive with confidence and good momentum, fully aware that this game will be decided in the small details,” added Mataro’s Clara Espar. “To compete head-to-head with Sabadell, it will be essential to stay very solid and organised in defence and keep a high game pace, as they are a team with great depth and rhythm.”

“The match against Mataro will be very important for us since we can’t afford to slip up at home,” said Sabadell coach David Palma. “We have to win if we want to finish top of the group, and that means getting a positive result on Saturday. We know Mataro’s potential, but we have to be strong at home.”

“We’ve already played one league match against Mataro this year, and we drew with them, so we know they’re going to make things very difficult for us,” added Sabadell’s Judith Forca. “But we’re playing at home and we have to win by starting with a strong defence, which will be key if we want to win the match.”

At the other end of the rankings, both Orizzonte and Terrassa are looking for their first win in the group. It’s also a game of survival, as a third defeat for either side would push the losers to the brink of elimination.

The Italians are strong at home, and they took their opener against Sabadell to a shootout, so they are looking forward to earning their first positive result against their Spanish rivals.

“As a team, we know how important this Saturday’s match against CN Terrassa is for our Champions League campaign,” said Orizzonte’s Danijela Jackovich. “Both of us have two losses right now, so the result will be crucial in keeping our chances of advancing alive.

“We’re approaching the game with clear focus and determination. For us, it’s about playing our game – showing the level of water polo we know we’re capable of and staying true to our identity in the pool.

“When we stick to our style, our speed and our intensity, we can compete with anyone. Terrassa will bring a strong challenge and are formidable opponents, but we’re ready for them. We’re motivated and fully committed to putting in a performance that reflects who we are as Ekipe Orizzonte in front of our home crowd.”

“We are aware of the difficulty of the match, but we have prepared thoroughly,” said Terrassa coach Xavi Perez. “We have worked a lot on our offensive and defensive systems in an attempt to earn our first three points.

“We have seen that Orizzonte have a team with very high individual quality, with key players in many positions. They are very well organised both defensively and offensively. We are aware of the challenge this will pose, but we will go in with the mindset of trying to secure our first points.”

Group C
(Local times shown)

14.00: Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) v FTC-Telekom (HUN)
18.30: Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA) v NC Vouliagmeni (GRE)

Ferencvaros face their easiest task after hard-fought matches in the first two rounds. They are not in the same weight category as Spandau – the Germans lost both previous matches by 11 goals, and something similar could be in sight this Saturday.

In contrast, group leaders Vouliagmeni need to be at their best to come away with all three points from Rapallo. The Greeks are the favourites, no question, still, the Italians can pose a threat to any rivals in their home pool – FTC also had to dig deep to fend off their surges.

“On Saturday, we face a strong team on their home court,” said Vouliagmeni coach Kiki Liosi. “We will be ready to achieve a positive result, which, if we manage to secure it, will give us first place in the first round of the Champions League.”

“We are well prepared for the game against Rapallo,” added Vouliagmeni’s Despoina Kalogeropoulou. “We have confidence in the work we’ve put in, and we remain focused. We are aiming for a strong performance and the best possible result.”

Group D
(Local times shown)

17.00: CN Sant Andeu (ESP) v SIS Roma (ITA)
19.30: ONE Eger (HUN) v ZV De Zaan (NED)

Just like in Group B, one game is about earning more comfort, while the other is about staying alive.

Sant Andreu and SIS Roma have both bagged six points so far – a third win would provide a strong base before the restart next February, after the European Championship break.

The Spanish title holders are definitely stronger and set to maintain their perfect record, but the Italians are famous for their fighting spirit when they see even the slimmest chance of a victory.

“We come into this game after a very tough stretch with some very important league games (Sabadell, Terrassa, Mataro), and in the midst of this, we have the third round of the Champions League coming up, hoping that it won’t affect us physically,” said Sant Andreu coach Javier Aznar. “It’s a very important game for us because the top spot in the group is at stake.

“We know SIS Roma will demand our best performance. They are a very well-managed team with a talented and intense squad. We hope to continue our winning streak in the Champions League to maintain our lead.”

“Sant Andreu are a strong team, they have a lot of quality, but if we play with our heads, we can have a good game,” said SIS Roma’s Maxine Schaap.

The first win is at stake for Eger and Euro Cup winners De Zaan, and this match can go both ways – again, the losers would be pushed into a practically hopeless position.

“We’re really looking forward to facing Eger,” said ZV De Zaan coach Mick van den Bree. “Just like us, they are still on zero points, but Eger have been a well-known team in the Champions League for years, so winning in Hungary will be a very tough challenge.

“Of course, we don’t want to give up our chances for second place, and we will do everything we can to win. We are highly motivated to make a positive impact in the Champions League this year.”

“Over the past years, we have taken the step to compete in Europe, and now we want to fight for the win against Eger,” added ZV De Zaan captain Lieke Rogge. “Our preparation has been going well, and we are really looking forward to Saturday.”

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Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics

 

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