Women’s Water Polo Champions League: Mid-Stage Analysis and Weekend Preview

The Women’s Water Polo Champions League is in full swing, with teams battling it out for qualification in the group stage. As the action heats up, let’s dive into how each group is shaping up and what to expect from this weekend’s matches.

Group A

Maica Garcia, player of CN Sabadell/ Antonella Mannara

Astralpool CN Sabadell has been unstoppable so far, comfortably leading the group with three wins. They’ve shown why they’re one of the top teams in Europe, combining experience and skill to dominate every match. Behind them, Vouliagmeni NC has put up a strong fight, with a solid defense and teamwork earning them two wins.

CN Terrassa, on the other hand, has struggled to convert their efforts into victories, though their determined play has kept them in the mix. At the bottom, Dunaujvaros WPC has had a tough time, managing only one draw so far. However, they’re a team that could surprise anyone on their day.

Group B

FTC Telekom Waterpolo has been the team to beat in this group. Their aggressive attacking style and solid defense have made them look untouchable. Assolim CN Mataro, sitting in second place, has been impressive as well, using their adaptability to secure crucial wins.

Greta Gurisatti, player of FTC-Telekom Waterpolo/Micheller Szilvia

Meanwhile, Antenore Plebiscito Padova has been inconsistent, showing glimpses of quality but struggling against tougher opponents. Polar Bears are still searching for their first win and have found it challenging to compete with the level of talent in the group.

Group C

Vasiliki Plevritou, player of the Olympiacos/Eurokinissi Photo Agency

Reigning champions Olympiacos SFP have been nothing short of exceptional, dominating the group with their speed, precision, and teamwork. They’ve looked like the team to beat once again this year. Behind them, SIS Roma has been solid but hasn’t yet found the extra edge needed to challenge Olympiacos.

GZC Donk has shown flashes of competitiveness but remains inconsistent. Newcomers Alimos NAC Betsson, while promising, have struggled to convert their potential into results against the more experienced teams.

Group D

Martina Terré, goalkeeper of the CN Sant Andreu / RFEN

CN Sant Andreu has been the standout team in this group, delivering consistent performances to stay at the top. Their tactical discipline and teamwork have been key to their success. Orizzonte Catania, in second, has shown plenty of quality but needs to be sharper in finishing games.

UVSE Helia-D has had a mixed campaign but still has the potential to shake things up. BVSC-Manna ABC has had a tough run, failing to pick up any wins so far, but they’ll look to play spoiler as the group stage continues.

What to Watch This Weekend

12:30: Astralpool CN Sabadell vs. Dunaujvaros WPC (Sabadell, ESP)

13:00: Assolim CN Mataro vs. Polar Bears (Mataro, ESP)

15:00: Vouliagmeni NC vs. CN Terrassa (Vouliagmeni, GRE)

17:00: BVSC-Manna ABC vs. CN Sant Andreu (Budapest, HUN)

18:00: UVSE Helia-D vs. Orizzonte Catania (Budapest, HUN)

19:00: Antenore Plebiscito Padova vs. FTC Telekom Waterpolo (Padova, ITA)

19:00: Olympiacos SFP vs. Alimos NAC Betsson (Piraeus, GRE)

21:00: SIS Roma vs. GZC Donk (Rome, ITA)

What to Watch For

This weekend’s games could significantly shake up the standings:

• Sabadell looks to maintain their perfect record against Dunaujvaros, who need points to stay alive.

• FTC faces Padova in a crucial clash, as the Italian side hopes to boost their chances of advancing.

• Olympiacos takes on Alimos in a match expected to solidify the defending champions’ dominance.

• In Group D, Sant Andreu will try to continue their unbeaten streak against BVSC, while Orizzonte Catania and UVSE battle for second place.

The Women’s Champions League continues to deliver high-level competition, with every game bringing drama and excitement. As the group stage nears its conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever, and this weekend promises plenty of action to watch out for.

Sabrina van der Sloot, player of the GZC Donk/Tino Henschel/HenschelMedia