Two weeks ago, the matches in Croatia featuring Serbian clubs were among the highlights of the Champions League Round 2. Neither of the games disappointed water polo lovers: Novi Beograd defeated Jadran in Split in a match where defenses dominated (10:7), and Mladost beat Radnicki in Zagreb in a game marked by a high number of goals and personal fouls (17:15).
The two Serbian clubs will host the most anticipated matches of Round 3 scheduled for this week. Radnicki will face Olympiacos in Kragujevac in Group A in one of the biggest derbies of the entire Group Stage. Novi Beograd will welcome Jadran Herceg Novi in Group B.
But some other duels could be very exciting.
Another week packed with international matches will conclude on Thursday, with he third round of the Euro Cup
2026 Champions League, Round 3, Preview
GROUP A
Tuesday, November 11: Vasas – Mladost (20:30), Wednesday, November 12: Radnicki – Olympiacos (20:30).
Radnicki and Olympiacos have not faced each other since their 10:10 draw in Kragujevac in the 2023 Champions League. Olympiacos was the heavy favorite in that match, making the tie a surprising outcome, especially because Radnicki led 10:8 a minute before the end.
The Kragujevac-based team has completely reshaped its team since 2023. Stefan Todorovski, Radnicki’s second goalkeeper, is the only player from today’s Kragujevac-based team who participated in the previous game against the Greek powerhouse. Olympiacos has undergone fewer changes, but the team has been reinforced by many great players over the past three years.
Olympiacos’ goalkeeper Emmanouil Zerdevas was instrumental in a 15:5 win over Vasas with 16 saves Photo by Laszlo Balogh
Now, both teams are contenders not only to qualify for the Quarter Final Stage but also to compete for the trophy. Olympiacos has performed significantly better than Radnicki since the season began, with convincing victories over Mladost (13:9) and Vasas (15:5), and big wins against the weaker rivals in the Greek League. Meanwhile, Radnicki, still missing injured player Nikola Jaksic, has had a mixed season with losses in both the Champions League and the Premier League. However, the recent performances suggest that the Serbian champions have been improving their shape.
The duel in Kragujevac will feature half of the Serbian national team playing for the home team. As for Olympiacos, most players of the Greek national team come from the Piraeus-based team. Additionally, Greek star Angelos Vlachopoulos, along with former Serbian players Prlainovic and Pijetlovic, are some of Radnicki’s leaders. Hungarian aces Zalanki and Angyal are part of the Olympiacos roster.
This match promises to be a thrilling clash of big stars.
Mladost arrives in Budapest, encouraged by its strong offensive performance in a 17:15 victory over Radnicki. Vasas has not been impressive in recent weeks, barely avoiding a defeat to Kaposvar a few days ago. The upcoming game against Mladost represents Vasas’ last chance to maintain realistic hopes of qualifying for the Quarter Final Stage, but the Hungarians will need to exert their best efforts to upset Mladost.
Standings: 1. Olympiacos 6, 2. Mlaost 3, 3. Radnicki 3, 4. Vasas 0.
GROUP B
Tuesday, November 11: Novi Beograd – Jadran HN (20:30), Pro Recco – Jadran S (20:30)
Novi Beograd and Jadran Herceg Novi will meet for the first time in a Champions League match, but they have played each other multiple times in regional competitions over the last five years. Their dramatic encounter in the Premier League in Herceg Novi 17 days ago ended in a 12:12 draw, with Jadran winning in a penalty shootout. This match reflected the strength and form of both teams, as they are evenly matched in quality and have opened the season quite well. Novi Beograd played without a few key players in Herceg Novi, who have meanwhile recovered. The Serbs hold the advantage of home field, while Jadran is looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses to Pro Recco and Sabac.
Vuk Milojevic (NBG) and Strahinja Gojkovic (JAD) were the teammates at Jadran last season Photo by Vuk Ilic
After losing to Jadran Herceg Novi and Novi Beograd, Jadran Split has significantly diminished its chances of reaching the Quarter Final Stage. The Croats’ game against Pro Recco in Genoa does not provide a realistic chance to recover from the mentioned defeats. However, Jadran enters the match in Italy with nothing to lose.
Standings: 1. Pro Recco 6, 2. Novi Beograd 3, 3. Jadran HN 3, 4. Jadran S 0.
I Visit Total Waterpolo Arena for live results and the statistics of the 2025/26 Champions League
GROUP C
Tuesday, November 11: Oradea – Brescia (18:30), Wednesday, November 12: Ferencvaros – Primorac (20:30)
Primorac is in Group C in the same situation as Jadran Split in Group B. The Montenegrins, who were beaten by Brescia and Oradea, face one of the biggest favorites in Round 3. Besides, Primorac’s previous performance in the last match before the visit to Budapest (a convincing home defeat to Radnicki) is another reason why anything but the title-holder’s win would be a surprise.
An encounter between Oradea and Brescia is expected to be very interesting, much like their previous clash. Last season, Oradea defeated Brescia at home after a penalty shootout in a decisive match of the Champions League Group Stage.
As for the 2026 CHL, Oradea convincingly defeated Primorac two weeks ago, recovering from a big loss to Ferencvaros and proving that it possesses the quality to battle for a spot in the Quarter Final Stage. Brescia narrowly defeated Primorac in Kotor on Day 1. Two weeks ago, the young Italian team faced an expected loss to Ferencvaros at home in the second round, but scored 17 goals, showcasing strong offensive potential.
Standings: 1. Ferencvaros 6, 2. Brescia 3, 3. Oradea 3, 4. Primorac 0.
GROUP D
Wednesday, November 12: Waspo 98 Hannover – Barceloneta (18:30), Marseille – Sabadell (20:30)
In Round 2, Waspo Hannover staged an excellent comeback to defeat Sabadell, finally ending its winless streak in European competitions that had lasted for nearly two years. However, the Germans will need another outstanding performance to overcome Spain’s top club. Barceloneta is eager to bounce back after suffering a home loss to Marseille. The result of the match between Hannover and Sabadell serves as a caution signal for Barceloneta, reminding the Spaniards not to underestimate the Germans.
Marseille has gained momentum with a convincing win against Waspo Hannover at home, followed by an away victory over Barceloneta. Marseille rarely drops points at home, but Sabadell has proven to be a formidable opponent to all rivals in the Champions League over the past three years, despite not reaching the Top 8 round.
Standings: 1. Marseille 6, 2. Barceloneta 3, 3. Hannover 3, 4. Sabadell 0.
I Visit Total Waterpolo Arena for live results and the statistics of the 2025/26 Champions League
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2026 Euro Cup, Group Stage, Round 3 (November 13)
The Greek derby in Athens, the Croatian derby in Dubrovnik, and the duels in Szolnok and Sabac attract special attention in the 3rd round of the Euro Cup.
Group A: Terrassa – ASC Duisburg (20:30), Jug – Solaris (19:00). Standings: 1. Jug 6, 2. Terrassa 3, 3. Solaris 3, 4. ASC Duisburg 0.
Group B:Trieste – Dinamo Bucharest (20:00), Szolnok – Barcelona (18:00). Standings: 1. Szolnok 6, 2. Trieste 3, 3. Barcelona 3, 4. Dinamo 0.
Group C: Panathinaikos – Vouliagmeni, Buducnost – BVSC. Standings: 1. Vouliagmeni 5, 2. BVSC 4, 3. Panathinaikos 3, 4. Buducnost 0.
Group D: Steaua – Savona, Sabac – Spandau 04 (20:00). Standings: 1. Savona 6, 2. Spandau 04 3, 3. Sabac 3, 4. Steaua 0.
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