0
0
Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final Draw: Derby and Showdowns Ahead
The stage has been set for the quarter-finals of the LEN Women’s Champions League, with eight premier clubs discovering their opponents after the draw today. The games offer tremendous drama, with two intra-national derbies and several clashes between European powerhouses. Home and away games will be played on March 22 and 29, 2025 as teams compete for a position in May’s Final Four. Here’s a detailed look at each quarter-final combination, including major storylines, recent form, and what to anticipate when these teams face off.
Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece) vs. NC Vouliagmeni (Greece)
The quarter-finals will feature a Greek derby between domestic rivals Olympiacos and Vouliagmeni on the European stage. Olympiacos defeated Vouliagmeni in last season’s Greek league finals to win its ninth consecutive national championship. Olympiacos enters the tournament as one of the favorites, having cruised through the group stage with a perfect 6-0 record.
The Piraeus-based club features a star-studded roster that includes Greek national team standouts (the Plevritou sisters and N. Eleftheriadou, among others) and recent European success, having won the Champions League in 2021 and 2022. They easily won Group C, scoring 84 goals and earning a +22 goal differential, showcasing a strong attack to complement their experience.
Vouliagmeni, Athens’ longtime opponent, finished second in Group A and advanced to the quarter-finals. They had a strong group campaign (4 wins, 2 losses) and demonstrated perseverance despite two close losses to defending champions Sabadell. Vouliagmeni’s lineup combines seasoned Greek internationals with emerging talent, and this club is no stranger to continental success.
What to Expect
Olympiacos’ superior experience and depth make them favorites, but Vouliagmeni will fight to the last minute. Expect a highly intense battle where small details, like power plays and goalkeeping, will determine the winner.
Astralpool CN Sabadell (ESP) vs. Alimos NAC Betsson (GRE)
Defending champions CN Sabadell take on Greek newcomers Alimos NAC Betsson. Sabadell dominated Group A, winning all six matches, boasting the tournament’s best defense (only 48 goals conceded), and displaying a well-balanced attack.
Alimos, in contrast, is making a fairytale run in their Champions League debut. The Greek side barely squeezed into the quarter-finals but proved they could win tight games, securing two penalty shootout victories.
Prediction
Barring a huge upset, Sabadell should comfortably advance. Their championship experience, deep bench, and strong goalkeeping give them a significant edge over Alimos.
CN Sant Andreu (ESP) vs. Assolim CN Mataró (ESP)
This all-Spanish showdown pits Barcelona’s rising force Sant Andreu against Catalan powerhouse Mataró. Sant Andreu finished group play with an impeccable record (6-0), scoring 90 goals—the highest in the tournament.
Mataró, a Champions League finalist in 2023, boasts a balanced attack and the experience of playing in high-pressure European games. This will be a hard-fought battle between two clubs that know each other well from domestic competition.
What to Expect
Given their attacking capabilities, expect a high-scoring series. Sant Andreu’s perfect record makes them slight favorites, but Mataró’s experience in big games could be a deciding factor.
Ekipe Orizzonte Catania (ITA) vs. FTC Telekom (HUN)
Orizzonte, the most successful club in women’s water polo with eight Champions League titles, faces Hungarian side Ferencváros (FTC Telekom), who are making their first quarter-final appearance.
Orizzonte has a rich European pedigree but hasn’t won a Champions League title since 2008. Meanwhile, FTC stormed through Group B, finishing at the top with a 5-0-1 record.
Outlook
Orizzonte’s history and experience make them slight favorites, but FTC’s momentum and attacking power could make this an extremely tight contest.
