πŸ›’ Shop the best Water Polo Gear now! β†’
πŸ€‘ 10% off on selected briefs & merch πŸ€‘
Support the Total Waterpolo mission!
TW-Brandmark-Whitex2
  • News
  • SINGAPORE 2025
    • Men’s tournament
    • Women’s tournament
  • Results

    National

    • Montenegro
      • Montenegrin League 2024/25
      • Montenegrin Cup 24/25
      • Montenegrin League 23/24
    • Nordic League
      • Nordic League Men 24/25
      • Nordic Trophy Men 2024/25
      • Nordic League Women 2024/25
      • Nordic League 23/24
      • Qualifications
    • Slovenia
      • Slovenian League 24/25
      • Slovenian League 23/24
    • Hong Kong
      • Hong Kong 24/25 – Women
      • Hong Kong 24/25 – Men
    • Austria
      • Austrian League 2025 – Men
      • Austrian League 23/24 – Women
      • Austrian League 23/24 – Men
    • Lithuania
      • Lithuanian League ’24
    • Latvia
      • Latvian Championship 2024
    • France
      • French League 23/24 – Men
    • Spain
      • Spanish League 23/24 – Men
    • Hungary
      • Hungarian League 23/24 – Men
    • Italy
      • Italian League 23/24 – Men

    International

    • SINGAPORE 2025
      • Women
      • Men
    • LEN Champions League
      • Men 24/25
      • Men 23/24
    • World Cup 2025
      • Men
    • AWL
      • Alpe Waterpolo League 2024/25
      • Alpe Waterpolo League 2023/24
      • Alpe Waterpolo League 2022/23
    • Nordic League
      • Nordic League Men 2024/25
      • Nordic Trophy Men 2024/25
      • Nordic League Women 2024/25
      • Nordic League 2023/24
      • Nordic Trophy 2023/24
    • NCAA
      • Men’s Finals 2024
      • Men’s Finals 2023
    • Oympic Games
      • Tokyo 2020
        • Women
        • Men
      • Paris 2024
        • Olympic Tournament – Men
        • Olympic Tournament – Women
    • World Championships
      • Doha 2024
        • Women
        • Men
      • Fukuoka 2023
        • Women
        • Men
      • Budapest 2022
        • Women
        • Men
    • European Championships
      • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
      • Zagreb / Dubrovnik 2024 – Men
      • Split 2022
        • Women
        • Men
      • Budapest 2020

    Amateur & Junior Divisions

    • Summer Cup 2025
    • Nordic League U16 2024/25
    • HaBaWaBa Spain 2025 – U10
    • HaBaWaBa Spain 2025 – U12
    • Masters Cup 2025

    Total Waterpolo Arena livescoring app: Stay in the game with real-time updates and stats for your next tournament.

    Contact Us
    • Champions League
      • Season 24/25
      • Season 23/24
      • Season 22/23
    • International
      • World Cup 2025 Men
      • European Championships
        • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
        • Croatia 2024 – Men
        • Split 2022
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2020
        • Barcelona 2018
      • World Championships
        • Doha 2024
          • Women
          • Men
        • Fukuoka 2023
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2022
          • Women
          • Men
      • Olympics
        • Tokyo 2020
          • Women
          • Men
        • Paris 2024
          • Women
          • Men
      • NCAA
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2024
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2023
      • Pacific Cup 2024
    • National
      • Montenegro
        • Montenegrin League 2024/25
        • Montenegrin Cup 2024/25
      • Austria
        • Austrian League 2025 – Men
        • Austrian League 2024 – Women
        • Austrian League 2024 – Men
      • Nordic League
        • Nordic League Men 2024/25
        • Nordic League Women 2024/25
        • Nordic League U16 2024/25
        • Nordic Trophy Men 2024/25
        • Nordic League 2023/24
        • Nordic Trophy 2023/24
      • Hong Kong
        • Hong Kong Women’s League 24/25
        • Hong Kong Men’s League 24/25
      • AWL
        • Alpe Waterpolo League 2024/25
        • Alpe Waterpolo League 2023/24
        • Alpe Waterpolo League 2022/23
      • Slovenia
      • Lithuania
      • Latvia
      • Hungarian League 2023 – Men
      • French League 2023 – Men
      • Spanish League 2023 – Men
      • Italian League 2023 – Men
    • Masters
      • Masters Cup 2025
      • VAL League 2024/25
      • Sabac Masters 2024
      • Masters Cup 2024
      • Budva Masters 2024
    • Junior
      • DSV 98 Cup 2025
      • Summer Cup 2025
      • HaBaWaBa Spain 2025 – U12
      • HaBaWaBa Spain 2025 – U10
      • HaBaWaBa Spain Plus 2025
      • Next Generation 2024 – Men
      • Next Generation 2024 -Women
      • HaBaWaBa Easter 2024 (U10)
      • HaBaWaBa Easter 2024 (U12)
      • HabaWaba Spain Plus 2024
      • Plejade
      • Dobri Dupin
  • Transfers
  • Shop

    WearWaterpoloβ„’ Webshop

    • Webshop
    • Men’s Briefs
    • Women’s Suits
    • Apparel
    • Game Balls
    • About

    Partner up with Total Waterpolo, the leading international water polo network worldwide and take your team gear to the next level. Our products are made to endure the harshest conditions from pro leagues around the world to your local squad rivalries. We can't wait to join your team!

    Get Total Waterpolo for your Team
  • Total Player
    • Total Player 2024
    • Total Player 2023
    • Total Player 2022
    • Total Player 2021
    • Total Player 2020
    • Total Player 2019
    • Total Player 2018
    • Total Player 2017
SINGAPORE 2025
Support Us

Women’s Champions League 2023 Final-4 Preview

March 30, 2023

The inaugural Women’s Champions League Final Four is set to take place this weekend, marking the climax of an exhilarating year of high-quality, high-drama water polo. The best of the action may still be yet to come though, as Europe’s best club competition continues to showcase one of sport’s most exciting qualities – that anything is possible, and anyone can be crowned champion of Europe.

Four worthy finalists are preparing to compete in the city of Sabadell, which has a rich water polo tradition and high expectations for its women’s teams. Two Spanish clubs, Sabadell and Mataro, are among the favourites, as they have the highest expectations and the advantage of playing on home turf. Sabadell, in particular, is a serial five-time winner of the Champions League, and is poised to lift another European title in front of their devoted fans. However, Mataro, Sabadell’s fiercest domestic rivals, are also vying for European glory. They have never made it to the final of this competition before, and an appearance in the final – and perhaps even some silverware – is long overdue for one of Europe’s most ambitious clubs.

Should Sabadell and Mataro both progress to the final, it will be the first time in the history of the competition (including its previous iterations) that two teams from the same nation will face off in the final.

While the Spanish clubs are considered favourites due to their quality and home advantage, the other two sides, Ekipe Orizzonte and Dunaujvaros, are more than satisfied with the ‘underdog’ label. In fact, it’s a label they seem to relish, as it has motivated them throughout the competition. It may sound laughable to consider the most successful Women’s Champions League club in history, Ekipe Orizzonte, as underdogs. However, it’s been twelve long years since the Italians last played in the final of a competition they have dominated over the years. Now, they have a timely opportunity to re-stamp their authority on the competition.

Ekipe Orizzonte are the competitions most successful team with 8 Champions League titles. Sabadell are the second most successful team with five titles.Β 

The fourth and final team appearing in this season’s Final Four is Dunaujvaros, which may be considered the ‘black sheep’ of the line-up. However, they are by no means making up the numbers. They have overcome every obstacle they’ve faced in the competition so far with composure and belief, despite not having spent big in the summer or replacing their lost stars, who joined their rivals. On paper, they may seem to be the weakest team in Sabadell this weekend. However, Attila Mihok and his Hungarian team haven’t seemed to care about the reputation of their opponents or how they’re viewed as a team. They have a togetherness and spirit that is unrivalled, combined with tactical intelligence and technical quality that make them very dangerous opponents indeed.

2023 Champions League Semi-Finals, Friday 31st March

16:45 – Ekipe Orizzonte vs Astralpool Sabadell

20:00 – CN Mataro vs DunaujvarosΒ 

 

2023 Final Four (Sabadell, March 31- April 1), participants

CN Astralpool Sabadell (Spain)

Last five seasons – 2022:2nd 2021:DNQ 2020: Cancelled 2019: 1st 2018: 2nd

Best results: 5x winner (2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19)

Results in other competitions this season – Copa Catalunya winners, Copa de la Reina winners

Stars to watch: Bea Ortiz, Maica Garcia, Judith Forca, Elena Ruiz, Irene Gonzalez, Sabrina Van der Sloot, Maggie Steffens

Head coach: David Palma

Sabadell are the hosts with the most. The reigning Spanish Champions, in front of a home crowd at Can Llong, have a great chance of securing a 6th European Cup. Pound for pound, they have the strongest line-up, with strength everywhere. Their two-pronged attack, with depth in the buoy position (Garcia and Leiton), coupled with dangerous shooters on the top (Ruiz, Forca, Ortiz) has helped them tear defences apart this campaign.

However, they do have a kryptonite called ‘CN Mataro’.Β They have lost four games this season, three of which have come up against their national league counterparts. If indeed the two teams should meet in the final, Sabadell have every reason to be cautious.

Sabadell secured their first ever Champions League (Euro League) title back in 2011. The beat Ekipe 13-8 in that final, the very same opponents they face in the semi-finals this weekend.Β 

But first, David Palma will be quietly optimistic ahead of the semi-final with Ekipe. The key for his side will be their work in their defensive third. They will certainly create opportunities for their star-studded attack to convert, but there has been at times this season, a defensive frailty that they can’t afford to wear this weekend.

Can Llong can be a really tough place to play at too. Many clubs, both male and female, have crumbled against the impassioned crowd there, with SIS Roma in the quarter-finals being the perfect example (falling irrecoverably behind in the first leg). In a game of fine margins, the home advantage could prove to be a big factor.

 

Bea Ortiz has been hugely influential since her return to the club this summer.

 

CN Mataro (Spain)

Last five seasons – 2022: DNQ Β 2021:DNQΒ  2020: CancelledΒ  2019: DNQ 2018: DNQ

Best results: 4th (2016-2017)

Results in other competitions this season – Spanish Super Cup winners

Stars to watch: Simone Van de Kraats, Anni Espar, Rita Keszthelyi-Nagy, Vivian Sevenich, Silvia Avegno

Head coach: Dani Ballart

While Sabadell might have the best squad, Mataro might be considered a dark horse given the way they skilfully dispatched the reigning champions, Olympiacos.

Mataro possess a firepower that is the envy of every single club in Europe – with a perimeter that includes left-handed sniper, Simone Van de Kraats, with Rita Keszthelyi-Nagy and Silvia Avegno operating on the left. Before adding Anni Espar into the mix, and the might of the Sevenich and Nogue on 2m at either ends of the pool, you’re looking at a team of true superstars; enough to win any game, and perhaps, any trophy.

Rita Keszthelyi-Nagy has played for three teams at this years Final-Four competition. She helped Ekipe Orizzonte to a Euro League Bronze medal in 2014, and spent two years with Dunaujvaros between 2009-2011. She has never won this competition; the closest she has got thus far was as a runner-up with UVSE in 2016.Β 

Mataro, like Sabadell, will also need to focus on what they do without the ball, but they’ll really need to hone in on finding a solution to deal with the physicality of Dunaujvaros, and Sabadell should the both meet in the final.

Dani Ballart’s team have only ever reached this stage of the competition once before, so it is uncharted territory for the majority of the squad. There is, however, a lot of seasoned players amongst the Maresme’s ranks, and those big game players, with all their experience, might be crucial in Mataro’s bid to lift their first European title.

Anni Espar, formerly of Sabadell, is a key cog in the Mataro machine.

 

Ekipe Orizzonte (Italy)

Last five seasons – 2022: DNQ 2021: DNQΒ  2020: Cancelled 2019: DNQ 2018: 3rdΒ 

Best results: 8x winner (1993–94, 1997–98, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08)

Results in other competitions this season – Coppa Italia winners

Stars to watch: Bronte Halligan, Alice Williams, Claudia Marletta, Sofia Giustini

Head coach: Martina Miceli

The European royalty from Catania always have an element of expectation when it comes to the Champions League. As the record-holding eight-time winners of the competition, the history of the club weighs a little heavier on the shoulders of the reigning Italian champions. The management pairing of Ekipe Orizzonte legends Martina Miceli (Head Coach) and Tania Di Mario (Director) will no doubt have already shared what this competition means to the club.

Ekipe Coach, Martina Miceli, won the Champions League three times with Orizzonte as a player (1993-94 , 2005-06 , 2007-08). The Italian was the first female coach to lift the LEN Trophy, and lifting the Champions League trophy would see her become the first female coach to do so.Β 

Six of the Ekipe team are members of the ever-improving Setterosa, while the not so secret Australian contingent in Catania of Bronte Halligan and Alice Williams has proved to be a masterclass in recruitment for Orizzonte.

Sabadell face Ekipe Orizzonte in the first semi-final. Historically, the teams are perfectly matched; in five previous meetings, both teams have won twice each, and drawn on one occasion.Β 

In truth, Ekipe have had a fairly uncomplicated route to this Final-4 competition. They qualified firstly at the expense of national rivals Plebiscito, before looking comfortably better than Glyfada.

In some ways, reaching the Final-4 is quite a surprise given Ekipe’s early season form. However, the season is a marathon, not a sprint, and the reigning Italian League and Cup champions can now see the finishing line. Beating Sabadell in the Semi-Finals is a long shot really, but on their day Ekipe really can put their opponents to the sword. This young team would probably be happy to match their third place finish back in 2018, but its not in Ekipe’s DNA to be satisfied with anything other than trophies.

Dafne Bettini, one of Ekipe Orizzonte’s rising stars.

 

Dunaujvaros (Hungary)

Last five seasons – 2022: DNQ 2021: 2ndΒ  2020: Cancelled 2019:DNQΒ  2018: DNQΒ 

Best results: 2nd (2002-2003, 2020-2021)

Results in other competitions this season – Hungarian Cup (First round exit)

Stars to watch: Geraldine Mahieu, Lili Dobi Dorina, Laura Aarts, Nora Sumegi, Anna Mandula

Head coach: Attila Mihok

The underdogs from Hungary certainly deserve their place in the Semi-Finals, and will relish the idea of taking on Mataro. Ujvaros, led by long-time coach Attila Mihok, will hope they can progress to their third successive European final (LEN Trophy 2022, Euro League 2021). Perhaps after seeing their compatriots UVSE shock Ferencvaros last night in the Euro Cup final, they too will believe they can cause an upset in Catalonia.

Of the four teams involved in the Final-4 in Sabadell, only Dunaujvaros have not won a trophy this season.Β 

Ujvaros have had some ups and downs this season, and thats evident in some results in the Hungarian League this season. But those kind of blips are to be expected with a team with so many young players. What’s important for Dunaujvaros is that the more experienced players lead the way for the Orange and Blues from Feher county.

Dunaujvaros have played Mataro three times since 2017, and have emerged victorious in all three clashes.Β 

Alongside the Champions League, they still have an outside shot at the Hungarian League. To win either would be quite a surprise, but even if they finish the season empty-handed, getting to the Final-4 is already a pretty solid achievement for a team who are in a stage of transition.

Dunaujvaros’ young shooter, Anna Mandula.

Follow all the action from the Women’s Champions League

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more video content, subscribe to our Youtube Channel and Tik Tok account

TW Press
TW Press

Related posts

Photo: Vasas Vizilabda

July 16, 2025

[CONFIRMED] Varnai, Fernandes, Foskolos, etc. to Vasas


Read more

Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics

July 13, 2025

Italy shines in final of European U16 Championships and wins gold with perfect record


Read more

Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics

July 12, 2025

Italian and Hungarian cadets to battle for European crown


Read more

SUPPORT US ON PATREON

If you share our passion for water polo worldwide, consider becoming a cherished contributor to our cause, with as little as 5$/month.

SUPPORT US


Custom Team Gear

LEARN MORE

Shop Now

Looking for something?

βœ•
  • 0
    [CONFIRMED] Varnai, Fernandes, Foskolos, etc. to Vasas
    July 16, 2025
  • Spain and Croatia secure quarterfinal tickets producing great comebacks
    July 16, 2025
  • Many one-sided contests on Day 3 of women’s tournament in Singapore, favorites meet expectations
    July 15, 2025
  • Home
  • Water Polo News
  • WearWaterpolo Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Project Superstar – TW Camp
  • BIWPA
  • Custom Team Equipment
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
Β© 2021 Total Waterpolo. All Rights Reserved.
✕
CroMasters '24
Support Us
  • News
  • SINGAPORE 2025
    • Men’s tournament
    • Women’s tournament
  • Results
    • Champions League
      • Season 24/25
      • Season 23/24
      • Season 22/23
    • International
      • World Cup 2025 Men
      • European Championships
        • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
        • Croatia 2024 – Men
        • Split 2022
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2020
        • Barcelona 2018
      • World Championships
        • Doha 2024
          • Women
          • Men
        • Fukuoka 2023
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2022
          • Women
          • Men
      • Olympics
        • Tokyo 2020
          • Women
          • Men
        • Paris 2024
          • Women
          • Men
      • NCAA
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2024
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2023
      • Pacific Cup 2024
    • National
      • Montenegro
        • Montenegrin League 2024/25
        • Montenegrin Cup 2024/25
      • Austria
        • Austrian League 2025 – Men
        • Austrian League 2024 – Women
        • Austrian League 2024 – Men
      • Nordic League
        • Nordic League Men 2024/25
        • Nordic League Women 2024/25
        • Nordic League U16 2024/25
        • Nordic Trophy Men 2024/25
        • Nordic League 2023/24
        • Nordic Trophy 2023/24
      • Hong Kong
        • Hong Kong Women’s League 24/25
        • Hong Kong Men’s League 24/25
      • AWL
        • Alpe Waterpolo League 2024/25
        • Alpe Waterpolo League 2023/24
        • Alpe Waterpolo League 2022/23
      • Slovenia
      • Lithuania
      • Latvia
      • Hungarian League 2023 – Men
      • French League 2023 – Men
      • Spanish League 2023 – Men
      • Italian League 2023 – Men
    • Masters
      • Masters Cup 2025
      • VAL League 2024/25
      • Sabac Masters 2024
      • Masters Cup 2024
      • Budva Masters 2024
    • Junior
      • DSV 98 Cup 2025
      • Summer Cup 2025
      • HaBaWaBa Spain 2025 – U12
      • HaBaWaBa Spain 2025 – U10
      • HaBaWaBa Spain Plus 2025
      • Next Generation 2024 – Men
      • Next Generation 2024 -Women
      • HaBaWaBa Easter 2024 (U10)
      • HaBaWaBa Easter 2024 (U12)
      • HabaWaba Spain Plus 2024
      • Plejade
      • Dobri Dupin
  • Transfers
  • Shop
  • Total Player
    • Total Player 2024
    • Total Player 2023
    • Total Player 2022
    • Total Player 2021
    • Total Player 2020
    • Total Player 2019
    • Total Player 2018
    • Total Player 2017

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. By clicking "Accept All Cookies" or continuing to browse this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT