The highly anticipated Men’s Water Polo Quarterfinal Stage of the Men’s Champions League begins this week, with the battle for the Final Four spots heating up. Group Stage leaders Ferencvaros, Novi Beograd, Barceloneta, and Olympiacos are favorites, but the remaining contenders are ready to challenge them. The opening round promises intense matchups, particularly the clash between defending champions Ferencvaros and Spanish powerhouse Barceloneta—both undefeated this season.
Group A Matches (Tuesday, February 4 – CET Times)
Novi Beograd (SRB) vs. CN Marseille (FRA) – 20:00
- Group Stage Records: NBG (75-51), MAR (69-67)
- Head-to-Head: Novi Beograd leads 5-0
Novi Beograd enters as the clear favorite despite suffering their first loss in 20 games last weekend. Marseille, meanwhile, has had a long break since January and lacks recent match practice. History favors the Serbian side, having won all five past encounters, though Marseille pushed them hard last season.
Jadran Split (CRO) vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) – 20:00
- Group Stage Records: JAD (71-66), OLY (80-61)
- Head-to-Head: Olympiacos leads 7-0
Both teams had ups and downs but secured their quarterfinal spots in the Group Stage. Olympiacos dominated away matches, while Jadran remains a tough opponent at home. This matchup carries extra intrigue, as Olympiacos’ Croatian coach and key players have strong ties to Jadran. Despite past Olympiacos dominance, this encounter could be closer than previous meetings.
Group B Matches (Wednesday, February 5 – CET Times)
FTC-Telekom (HUN) vs. Zodiac CNAB (ESP) – 20:00
- Group Stage Records: FTC (92-42), CNA (100-56)
- Head-to-Head: FTC leads 5-3 (1 draw)
The most anticipated clash of the round pits two undefeated giants against each other. Ferencvaros, reigning champions, have been dominant with a near-perfect record, but Barceloneta also boasts an impressive unbeaten streak. Last season, FTC edged out Barceloneta in both meetings, though it took immense effort. Adding a family twist, brothers Vendel and Vince Vigvari will face off—one playing for FTC, the other for Barceloneta.
CSM Oradea (ROU) vs. RN Savona (ITA) – 20:00
- Group Stage Records: ORA (64-70), SAV (71-64)
- Head-to-Head: Oradea leads 1-0
In a group dominated by powerhouses FTC and Barceloneta, both Oradea and Savona need a win to keep their Final Four hopes alive. Savona is favored, but Oradea has proven capable of surprises. Both teams come into the match after tough domestic encounters, with Savona looking to bounce back from consecutive league losses.
