Champions League Women: Quarterfinal line-up to be decided as Group Stage set for dramatic conclusion
Six quarter-final spots have already been booked, but two more are up for grabs, and the top spot is also yet to be determined on the last day of the women’s Champions League Group Stage, which will feature eight more outstanding matches across Europe.
2025/26 Champions League Women
Group Stage, Day 6
Saturday 21 March 2026
(Local times shown)
Group A
17:00: DFVE Vizilabda (HUN) – Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
19:00: UVSE-Helia D (HUN) – Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
Standings: 1. Olympiacos 12, 2. UVSE 9, 2. DFVE 9, 4. Alimos 0
Group B
16:00: Assolim CN Mataro (ESP) – Astralpool CN Sabadell (ESP)
18:00: CN Terrassa (ESP) – Ekipe Orizzonte (ITA)
Standings: 1. Mataro 15, 2. Sabadell 8, 3. Orizzonte 4, 4. Terrassa 3
Group C
12:00: FTC-Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) – Spandau 04 Berlin (GER)
15:00: Vouliagmeni NC (GRE) – Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA)
Standings: 1. FTC 13, 2. Vouliagmeni 11, 3. Rapallo 6, 4. Spandau 0
Group D
18:00: SIS Roma (ITA) – CN Sant Andreu (ESP)
20:30: ZV De Zaan (NED) – ONE Eger (HUN)
Standings: 1. St Andreu 15, 2. Roma 9, 3. De Zaan 3, 3. Eger 3
Group A
17:00: DFVE Vizilabda (HUN) – Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
19:00: UVSE-Helia D (HUN) – Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
Standings: 1. Olympiacos 12, 2. UVSE 9, 2. DFVE 9, 4. Alimos 0
This is the only group where both qualifying berths are still open – at least officially. In reality, it’s hard to see Olympiacos losing the top spot, as they would need to lose by eight goals in Dunaujvaros to drop to second place and by 12 to be eliminated.
Neither is a realistic scenario, as the Greeks are favourites to grab an away win, as they already beat the Hungarian side 16-8 on Day 3. Still, DFVE also have a slim chance, as even the tiniest win would send them through if UVSE fail to deliver against Alimos in the other Hungarian v Greek duel later in the day.
Since UVSE managed to beat Olympiacos four weeks ago, they are also set to land their third home win in this group against the weaker Greek rivals, who are yet to collect their first points here.
In fact, the Dunaujvaros camp apply a realistic approach for the weekend. “From this point on, we want to say goodbye to the Champions League season in an honest and dignified way,” coach Jozsef Sike said. “We want to be worthy opponents for Olympiacos, who are contenders for the Champions League Final Four and even among the favourites for the title, and by doing so we also want to serve our own supporters.”
“This is our last dance in the European competition for this season,” captain Krisztina Garda admitted. “Unfortunately, this match has little or rather no impact, but we would like to enjoy and make the maximum out of the opportunity. It is always a nice challenge to play against a great foreign rival.”
“Although qualifying for the Final Four is no longer within reach, we’ll jump into the pool at home with freedom and enjoyment, aiming to put in a strong performance in front of our fans,” added goalie Lilla Maczko.
“This is the last group stage match and we want to deliver a strong performance that reflects our true potential,” commented Olympiacos’ Stefania Santa. “We want to maintain our first-place standing in the group and continue our Champions League journey without a second defeat. The team is well-prepared and ready for everything.”
Group B
16:00: Assolim CN Mataro (ESP) – Astralpool CN Sabadell (ESP)
18:00: CN Terrassa (ESP) – Ekipe Orizzonte (ITA)
Standings: 1. Mataro 15, 2. Sabadell 8, 3. Orizzonte 4, 4. Terrassa 3
Everything has been settled in this quartet; Mataro and Sabadell will advance in first and second place respectively. Their upcoming clash is much more about pride and preparation for the most important part of the season.
Since Mataro managed to rock Sabadell’s long-lasting supremacy both in Spain and on the continental stage, this game is also about pride, and it’s another chapter in a fierce fight between neighbouring powerhouses.
Terrassa, after upsetting Sabadell in the previous round, may set their sights on third place by bringing down Orizzonte as well.
“On Saturday we play our last home match against Orizzonte, a very strong team with excellent players,” said Xavi Pérez, coach of Terrassa. “They are also the team with the most Champions League titles, so we’re fully aware of the difficulty of the match and the challenge it represents.
“We’re prepared and mentally ready to face it. We’re also lucky to be playing at home, which really motivates us and is something we enjoy a lot. We hope the pool will be full for this final home game; we’re really looking forward to competing in it.”
Group C
12:00: FTC-Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) – Spandau 04 Berlin (GER)
15:00: Vouliagmeni NC (GRE) – Rapallo Pallanuoto (ITA)
Standings: 1. FTC 13, 2. Vouliagmeni 11, 3. Rapallo 6, 4. Spandau 0
Ferencvaros are all set to secure the top spot when the bells start tolling on Saturday. After a couple of big fights, the Hungarians are facing their easiest (on paper) game, a home tie against bottom-ranked Spandau, where they are the overwhelming favourites.
The other encounter offers a story of its own. Vouliagmeni agreed to play twice with Rapallo in Athens after the game in Italy had never happened due to reasons beyond the players’ control.
Originally, it went 0-10 to the Greeks, but they accepted a proposal to play that Day 3 match in Athens on Thursday before they meet again on Saturday as scheduled.
Deciding the rankings in the water benefited all parties and water polo, ultimately – even though this new scenario reopened the contest for the second qualifying spot.
However, Vouliagmeni left no doubt they were the better team, coming up with a convincing performance on Thursday and won 10-18, which secured their quarter-final berth.
By maths, they have a chance to finish atop with another win and a loss by Fradi, though they are aware that miracles barely happen in water polo.
“Saturday’s game is important for us, even though we have already secured qualification,” said Vouliagmeni’s Despoina Andreadi. “We want to present ourselves serious and focused, following our plan and continuing at the same level of performance.
“Our defense is always our key strength, and through it we want to set our rhythm and find solutions in attack. It is a good opportunity for us to keep improving and maintain our competitive rhythm.
“Our goal is to deliver a strong performance and stay true to the work we’ve put in.”
Group D
18:00: SIS Roma (ITA) – CN Sant Andreu (ESP)
20:30: ZV De Zaan (NED) – ONE Eger (HUN)
Standings: 1. St Andreu 15, 2. Roma 9, 3. De Zaan 3, 3. Eger 3
Just like in Group B, the first two spots have already been cemented. Roma blew their chance to have a shot at first place in the previous round when they fell to Eger at home. Though beating title-holders St Andreu by four goals would have required extraordinary efforts, now all they need to look for is to play well and try to avenge their 13-10 defeat against the Spaniards, with nothing big at stake.
At the same time, St Andreu’s target is to maintain their perfect record, as they remain the only undefeated side alongside fellow Spanish side Mataro in the group stage.
“We approach our final group stage match with the peace of mind that comes with having secured first place in the group,” St Andreu’s coach Javier Aznar said.
“Even so, we want to maintain our level of performance and will travel to Rome with the same mindset we have had up to now in order to secure another victory. We know that SIS are a very tough opponent and we expect a very evenly matched game.”
Roma coach Marco Capanna had high praise for their rivals: “We are to face probably the best team in Europe in terms of spirit, organisation, quality and results. As always, it will be a pleasure and an honour to compete against them, as has often been the case in recent seasons. The match will not affect the standings, as both teams are already through to the quarter-finals, but I am sure it will be a hard-fought, exciting game and we will try to achieve a positive result, as always.”
“Saturday’s game against one of the best teams in Europe is a big test for us,” Roma’s star player Izabealla Chiappini said. “Even if it doesn’t impact the standings, it’s an important benchmark to understand where we are and what we need to improve. Games like this help us grow, adjust, and prepare for what really matters (the quarter-finals). We’re focused on learning, competing at the highest level, and taking another step forward as a team.”
De Zaan and Eger clash for prestige and for third place – whoever wins this match will have the better position.
For the Dutch, it’s going to be a special occasion as they were special guests at the Alphen swimming complex for their Champions League matches. “We want to finish this final phase of the group stage and our European season in the best possible way,” coach Mick van den Bree said.
“In the away game in Eger, we managed to make the difference in the final period. However, considering Eger’s current form and their win against Roma, we know we have to be ready. It will also be our last match in Alphen.
“We are very grateful that we were able to use the facilities here this year, and it gives us an extra boost to finish the season well. We are really looking forward to it.”
“Saturday is our last Champions League match of the season, a great game to show that we have made progress as a team this season,” Nerida Drewes added. “Even though we didn’t advance to the quarter-finals, we will do everything we can to end our Champions League adventure with a win.”
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Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics
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