After a brief hiatus for national team competitions, the Men’s Champions League is set to return with six days of intense water polo action. The Quarterfinal Round is fast approaching, and the draw has created two compelling groups, guaranteeing excitement as teams battle for coveted spots in the Final Four.
Quarterfinal Draw for the 2024/25 Men’s Champions League
Group A:
- VK Novi Beograd (SRB)
- Olympiacos SFP (GRE)
- CN Marseille (FRA)
- VK Jadran Split (CRO)
Group B:
- FTC-Telekom Waterpolo (HUN)
- Zodiac CNA Barceloneta (ESP)
- RN Savona (ITA)
- CSM Oradea (ROU)
Group A: Powerhouses and Ambitious Contenders
Group A promises no easy matches, even for dominant sides like VK Novi Beograd and Olympiacos. Both teams topped their respective groups in the earlier phase of the competition and are aiming for a return to the Final Four. The two squared off in last year’s Final Four bronze-medal game, where Olympiacos prevailed, and both will be eager for a shot at the title this time around.
However, they cannot underestimate their challengers. CN Marseille and VK Jadran Split may not have reached the Final Four in the Champions League era, but they bring strong line-ups and ambition. Both clubs made strategic roster upgrades over the summer, and their potential to upset the group’s frontrunners makes every match a must-watch.
Group B: Favorites Face Tough Tests
In Group B, FTC-Telekom Waterpolo and Zodiac CNA Barceloneta stand out as the teams to beat. FTC-Telekom is having a stellar season, boasting an unbeaten record across all competitions (21-0). The Hungarian powerhouse has demonstrated resilience and skill, including a remarkable comeback from a four-goal deficit in Split during the previous round.
Barceloneta, too, has been in excellent form, with their closest Champions League game being a 12-9 victory over Marseille. After missing out on the Final Four last season, the Spanish side is determined to reclaim its place among the elite.
Despite their strong performances, neither team can afford to relax. RN Savona, who battled fiercely to secure a spot in the Quarterfinals, has already shown they can surprise top-tier opponents. Their victory in Piraeus against Olympiacos earlier this season is proof that they’re capable of challenging the group’s favorites.
Meanwhile, CSM Oradea enters as the underdog. The Romanian team’s journey to this stage has been impressive, and while they may be the least favored to advance, they’ve posted significant wins that show they belong in the conversation.
Final Four Stakes and Drama
With so much talent across both groups, the Quarterfinals are shaping up to be an electrifying stage of the Champions League. Each match will carry immense weight as teams strive for a coveted spot in the Final Four. From seasoned champions to ambitious underdogs, every side has a story to tell—and fans can expect world-class water polo at every turn.
The action resumes soon, and as the intensity ramps up, the road to the Final Four promises to be as unpredictable as it is thrilling. Stay tuned for updates as the competition unfolds!
