Big wins for two of last year’s Spanish Final Four participants, title-holders Sabadell and bronze medallists Sant Andreu, mean it’s likely they will both have another shot at the title in May. Elsewhere, Ferencvaros claimed a great away win in Catania, but there is still a lot to battle for in the second leg, just like in the all-Greek clash, where a dramatic last-gasp penalty save denied Vouliagmeni a draw in Piraeus against Olympiacos.
Champions League Women – Quarter-Finals First-Leg Results (Saturday 22nd March 2025)
- Astralpool CN Sabadell (ESP) 19-6 Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
- Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 11-10 Vouliagmeni NC (GRE)
- Orizzonte Catania (ITA) 9-11 FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN)
- CN Sant Andreu (ESP) 13-8 Assolim CN Mataro (ESP)
Astralpool Sabadell (ESP) 19-6 Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
Sabadell left no doubts about who was the better side, delivering a decisive win and all but securing their place in the Final Four.
The first period was relatively close, with the home side edging 4-2 ahead. However, the second period saw a dominant 8-0 run from Sabadell, completely overwhelming their Greek opponents.
Alimos struggled against the relentless Spanish attack, with Sabadell’s fast breaks proving deadly. By halftime, Sabadell had staged a match-winning 11-0 run, leading 12-2.
Dutch superstar Simone Van de Kraats led the Spanish charge with seven goals, giving Sabadell a commanding 13-goal advantage heading into the second leg.
Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 11-10 Vouliagmeni NC (GRE)
In a thrilling all-Greek encounter, Olympiacos managed to hold off Vouliagmeni thanks to a dramatic last-second penalty save.
After suffering a shocking midweek home defeat to Vouliagmeni in the domestic league, Olympiacos looked set for another tough battle. Despite an early 3-1 lead, Vouliagmeni fought back and led 4-5 by the end of the first period.
Olympiacos responded with a strong second quarter, reclaiming the lead at 8-6 and extending it to 10-6 midway through the third period. However, Vouliagmeni’s resilience saw them claw back to 11-10 in the final moments. A last-second penalty could have leveled the match, but French goalkeeper Mia Rycraw made a crucial save, ensuring Olympiacos carried a slim advantage into the return leg.
Orizzonte Catania (ITA) 9-11 FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN)
FTC continued their impressive form in away matches, securing a hard-fought victory against eight-time champions Orizzonte Catania.
The match saw multiple lead changes in the first half, but FTC gradually took control, building a two-goal lead by halftime.
Despite Orizzonte’s defensive efforts, FTC maintained their advantage in the second half, with Eleftheria Plevritou scoring a crucial late goal to seal the victory. With just a two-goal difference, the return leg in Hungary promises to be an intense showdown.
CN Sant Andreu (ESP) 13-8 Assolim CN Mataro (ESP)
Fresh off their Spanish Cup triumph, Sant Andreu continued their strong form with a dominant performance against Mataro.
After a balanced start, Sant Andreu pulled away in the second period, establishing a 6-4 halftime lead. A devastating 93-second stretch in the third quarter saw them score three unanswered goals, putting Mataro on the back foot.
Despite some late resistance, Sant Andreu finished strong, with Elena Ruiz scoring four goals, including a decisive penalty. With a five-goal advantage, they are well positioned to reach the Final Four for the second consecutive season.
Looking Ahead
With the second-leg fixtures set for next Saturday, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the quarter-finals. Sabadell and Sant Andreu look likely to advance, while Olympiacos and FTC will need to hold off determined challengers in closely contested matchups.
