Ethnikos OFPF, Antenore Plebiscito Padova and Pallanuoto Trieste could all book their place in the Quarter Final Stage with a game to spare if they emerge victorious on Day 4 of the women’s Euro Cup Group Stage this weekend. A win for either of the Italian teams would also see them guarantee the top spot in their respective pool.
2025/26 Euro Cup Women
Group Stage, Day 4
Saturday 20 December
(Local times shown)
Standings after two games each
Group A
18:30: Ethnikos OFPF (GRE) v Lille UC (FRA)
Standings: 1. Ethnikos 6pts, 2. Polar Bears 3pts, 3. Lille UC 0pts
Group B
*Hapoel Yoqneam (ISR) v BVSC Manna ABC (HUN)
*Postponed until Saturday 21 February
Standings: 1. BVSC 6pts, 2. Glyfada 3pts, 3. Hapoel Yoqneam 0pts
Group C
12:30: Zodiac CNAB (ESP) v Antenore Plebiscito Padova (ITA)
Standings: 1. Padova 6pts, 2. Zodiac CNAB 3pts, 3. Grand Nancy 0pts
Group D
18:30: Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA) v EPlus CN Catalunya (ESP)
Standings: 1. Trieste 6pts, 2. Catalunya 3pts, 3. Kerulet 0pts
Group A
Standings (after 2 games each): 1. Ethnikos 6pts, 2. Polar Bears 3pts, 3. Lille UC 0pts
18:30: Ethnikos OFPF (GRE) v Lille UC (FRA)
Ethnikos OFPF will wrap up a place in the Quarter Final Stage with a game to spare if they emerge victorious from their home tie with Lille UC.
The French are huge underdogs after losing the reverse fixture at home 6-17 on Day 1, and another defeat this weekend would send them to the brink of elimination.
Ethnikos opened their first clash with Lille by firing in six unanswered goals, and they’ll be looking for a similar fast start when the sides meet again on Saturday.
The Greeks appear to be in a different league after winning both of their games in this group by seven or more goals, while Lille have struggled, losing each of their matches by 11 or more.
Group C
Standings (after 2 games each): 1. Padova 6pts, 2. Zodiac CNAB 3pts, 3. Grand Nancy 0pts
12:30: Zodiac CNAB (ESP) v Antenore Plebiscito Padova (ITA)
Zodiac CNAB and Antenore Plebiscito Padova will meet in a battle for the top spot in Group C.
After the Italians won the reverse fixture 13-11, the Spaniards will need to better that result to overtake their rivals at the summit, while a win for the visitors would guarantee them first place.
The game also has historic significance for this week’s hosts.
“As well as being our first home match of this phase, this is our club’s first-ever European game in our pool in front of our fans,” said Zodiac CNAB coach Chus Martin.
“After our defeat in Italy on Day 1, we want to put in a strong performance and go for the win in front of our people.
“We know how difficult Padova are. In their pool, they have proven to be a very well-organised and hard-to-beat team, but we have been improving in recent weeks and we have a lot of confidence in our game.
“It will surely be a good match, and we hope to take all three points.”
CNAB’s Olympic champion Paula Leiton is also eagerly-awaiting this rematch and is well aware of what is at stake.
“The whole team is looking forward to playing this match against Padova at San Sebastià,” said Leiton.
“Defence and efficiency in attack will be key to winning the match by a margin of more than two goals, which would allow us to challenge for the top spot.”
After edging the contest at home, Padova will arrive with confidence they can complete the double over CNAB and secure first place in the group.
However, they will need to be at the top of their game to return to Italy with all three points, especially after leaving the pool on Day 1 knowing they had been involved in a real battle.
Six-on-five efficiency proved decisive in the final five minutes, as Padova converted both of their chances after 11-11, while CNAB failed to capitalise on their two opportunities.
Group D
Standings (after 2 games each): 1. Trieste 6pts, 2. Catalunya 3pts, 3. Kerulet 0pts
18:30: Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA) v EPlus CN Catalunya (ESP)
Similar to the Padova-CNAB tie, the outcome of this fixture between Pallanuoto Trieste and EPlus CN Catalunya is set to decide the group winners.
Two goals separated the sides in the reverse fixture on Day 1, which finished 13-15 in Trieste’s favour, meaning the Spaniards will need to improve on that result to overtake the Italians at the top.
A second victory for Trieste would secure first place with a game to spare, and head coach Paolo Zizza is keen for his players to take nothing for granted.
“We reviewed and analysed the first game, and we will need to avoid certain approach-related mistakes and not give away easy goals,” said Zizza.
“We are ready, we have trained with great focus, the stakes are high, and we will try to give our best.”
In Spain, Trieste recovered from a slow start – that saw them trail 3-0 – by scoring the next four goals, after which they never fell behind again.
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Andy Rollé for European Aquatics
