The Euro Cup water polo action intensifies this weekend as the men’s competition reaches the crucial eighth finals stage, while the women’s tournament sees four top teams battling it out in the Semi-Finals. With thrilling match-ups across Europe, the stakes are higher than ever as teams fight for a spot in the next round.
Men’s Euro Cup: The Road to the Quarter-Finals Begins
The battle for a place in the 2024/25 Men’s Euro Cup Quarter Finals kicks off on Saturday, 25th January, with eight exciting first-leg ties. The competition is set to heat up as the eight eliminated teams from the Champions League join the fray, adding even more quality and intensity to the tournament.
Key Fixtures to Watch:
- Ortigia 1928 (ITA) vs KEIO CN Sabadell (ESP)
Spanish side KEIO CN Sabadell will be heading to Italy in confident spirits after their emphatic 17-11 victory over Ortigia in the Champions League Qualification Stage earlier this season. USA international Alex Bowen starred in that encounter with a five-goal haul, and with Sabadell riding high in domestic competition, Ortigia will need to dig deep to stay in the tie. Despite mixed league results, Ortigia’s strong home form in the Euro Cup could play a crucial role in their bid to overturn the previous result.
- VK Jug AO (CRO) vs SPD Radnicki (SRB)
Defending champions VK Jug AO face a tough challenge against Regional League rivals SPD Radnicki, who defeated them convincingly earlier in the season. Jug’s coach Vjeko Kobescak acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead but remains hopeful that home advantage will help secure a positive result before the return leg in Serbia.
- Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) vs AN Brescia (ITA)
German league leaders Waspo 98 Hannover face a stern test against Italy’s AN Brescia, who topped their group comfortably in the earlier stage. Brescia coach Alessandro Bovo emphasized the importance of taking control early, while Hannover captain Marko Macan believes his side must give their all to pull off an upset.
- CN Barcelona (ESP) vs Vasas Plaket (HUN)
Spanish outfit CN Barcelona will be looking to capitalize on their flawless home form in the Group Stage when they take on reigning Euro Cup champions Vasas Plaket. Barcelona coach Andrei Iosep is confident in his squad’s unity and determination to pull off an upset against their more experienced opponents.
The remaining fixtures also promise excitement, with matches including:
- HAVK Mladost (CRO) vs CSA Steaua Bucharest (ROU)
- VK Sabac Elixir (SRB) vs PVK Jadran M:Tel Herceg Novi (MNE)
- BVSC-Manna ABC (HUN) vs VPK Primorac Kotor (MNE)
- Pro Recco (ITA) vs Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO)
Women’s Euro Cup: Semi-Finals First-Legs Set to Thrill
In the Women’s Euro Cup, the Semi-Finals first-legs promise an intense battle as four top clubs vie for a place in the final.
Semi-Final Fixtures:
- ANC Glyfada iRepair (GRE) vs ZV De Zaan (NED)
Dutch side ZV De Zaan, last season’s bronze medalists, travel to Athens to take on ANC Glyfada in a highly anticipated clash. De Zaan have fond memories of facing Glyfada, having beaten them twice last season. However, Glyfada’s recent strong performances in the domestic A1 league give them confidence ahead of this encounter. Glyfada’s Zoi Tzortzakaki, who was instrumental in their quarter-final success, remains optimistic: “We have worked hard to get here, and we’re ready to fight for a place in the final.” De Zaan coach Mick van den Bree is also keen on making history: “We are looking forward to a tough match and will give everything to secure a good result.”
- Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA) vs CN Tenerife Echeyde (ESP)
Last season’s runners-up Pallanuoto Trieste welcome debutants CN Tenerife Echeyde in what is expected to be an enthralling encounter. The two teams met earlier this season, with Trieste emerging victorious in a 10-7 win. Tenerife’s star player Natalia Naya, who scored a hat-trick in that match, believes her team has grown since then and is eager to leave their mark. Tenerife coach Enrique Cruz emphasized their determination: “This is a dream for our team, and we’re ready to fight and keep the tie alive for the second-leg at home.” Meanwhile, Trieste coach Paolo Zizza expects a tough contest but remains confident: “We need to be at our best to take an advantage into the return leg.”
With both semi-finals promising high-quality action, fans are in for a treat as the battle for a place in the final heats up.
