http://arbitroswp.blogspot.com.es/2015/10/day-1-champions-league-full-games.html
L’Atlètic-Barceloneta supera l’Spandau (9-7) a la Champions (BTV)
Victòria de l'Atlètic-Barceloneta en la primera jornada de la Champions davant l'Spandau 04 de Berlín per 9 a 7. L'equip de Chus Martín ha hagut de treballar molt perquè els tres punts es quedessin a la piscina de Sant Sebastià.
Els mariners no han pogut marxar en cap moment en el marcador i a l’últim quart s’ha arribat a un ajustat 6 a 5. Al final, però, l’encert de Strahinja Rasovic, màxim anotador del partit amb cinc gols, ha estat clau en la victòria de l’Atlètic-Barceloneta
No upset in the opening round of the prelims, but in three games the underdogs were close to cause a surprise. Host teams didn’t have a good day: only two sides could win at home in the six matches.
Group A seems as balanced as ever: two goals decided the outcome in two matches, one ended in a tie. The latter one happened in Eger, where the Hungarians clashed with Olympiacos (GRE) for the third straight year. In the previous two Eger won by a single goal but in both occasions the Greeks missed a fine chance at the end – now they made it. In a thrilling contest Olympiacos levelled the score 10 seconds from time (8-8).
The prelims kicked off in Herceg Novi, where the young host team of Jadran (MNE) faced last year’s finalist, Primorje (CRO). The Croats – without two key players, Buric and Radu – controlled the match for most of the time, but the Montenegrins kept coming back, they could even equalise after being 4-7 down in the third. Less then three minutes to go it stood 9-9, but Primorje scored the last two goals (9-11).
Barceloneta (ESP) was definitely the favourite against Spandau (GER), however, the hosts of the first two editions of the Final Six struggled a bit against the Germans. Losing the key-player of their offense, Felipe Perrone (who joined Jug), Barceloneta had to restructure their game and one of their new players, Strahinja Rasovic saved the day for them by netting five goals. Still, Spandau trailed by only one before the last period but two Spanish goals after 7-6 closed down the match (9-7).
In Group B the two top sides, Recco (ITA) and Szolnok (HUN) began their respective campaigns with convincing wins. The title-holder Italians thrashed Galatasaray (TUR): though the Turks are led by Recco’s former coach, Igor Milanovic, they couldn’t withstand the pressure and were blown away in two periods. Recco led 10-2 at half-time only to ‘calm down’ for the second half (15-4).
Szolnok, just as in last season, downed the young side of Partizan (SRB) in Belgrade. The hosts fought bravely but the experienced Hungarian champions – lining up with former Partizan-players – didn’t let the young Serbs stay close, they extended the gap period by period and led 7-13 before the last eight minutes. Gavril Subotic and Marton Vamos were the respective heroes of the two teams by netting 4 goals apiece (9-14).
With Recco and Szolnok in this group, the others think there is only one spot on offer to reach the Final Six. That’s why the encounter between OSC Budapest (HUN) and Jug Dubrovnik (CRO) was labelled a decisive one. The Croats took control in the second period and seemed the better side throughout the match, however, OSC – returning to the European stage after 1979 – climbed back from 4-6 and was still on equal terms in the middle of the fourth at 7-7. But Jug’s pressing game tired the Hungarians who were unable to score in the last four minutes and the Croats earned a crucial win by netting two in the finish (7-9).
Champions League, Preliminaries, Day 1
Group A
Jadran Carine Herceg Novi (MNE) v Primorje Erste Banka Rijeka (CRO) 9-11
ZF Eger (HUN) v Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) 8-8
CN Barceloneta (ESP) v Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) 9-7
Classification: 1. Primorje 3, 2. Barceloneta 3, 3-4. Eger, Olympiacos 1-1, 5. Jadran 0, 6. Spandau 0
Group B
Pro Recco (ITA) v Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR) 15-4
Partizan Belgrade (SRB) v Szolnoki Dozsa-Kozgep (HUN) 9-14
A Hid-OSC Budapest (HUN) v Jug Croatia Osiguranje Dubrovnik (CRO) 7-9
Classification: 1. Recco 3, 2. Szolnok 3, 3. Jug 3, 4. OSC 0, 5. Partizan 0, 6. Galatasaray 0
For details, post-game quotes, play-by-play descriptions of the matches visit www.len.eu
Primorje comes away with late win in Herceg Novi
The opening round of the Champions League preliminary stage got underway in Herceg Novi where Jadran celebrated its return to Europe's elite stage by pushing Primorje to a late and hard-fought 9-11 win. Decisive and unanswered goals by top scorer Miho Boskovic (pictured, 4 goals) and Nikola Dedovic in the final two minutes gave the last year's finalists a two-goal triumph to kick things off in group A. Up until that points though the fans in Herceg Novi could witness a close and nice match-up, well earned by the home side who hung on against the favourite visitors. Primorje took two-goal leads and even led 4-7 early in the third period. The Vladimir Gojkovic coached side showed resillience and kept coming back before getting pushed back to trailing 2 goals. That pattern continued until the last two minutes. After Stefan Vidovic had tied the game at 9-9, Primorje's final answer was too much for the Montenegrins.
In group B defending champions Pro Recco experienced an easy start to their campaign by rolling past Galatasaray 15-4. The Turkish champions lacks rhythm, with the domestic season yet to get started, and relied too heavily on their experienced foreigners centre forwards Slobodan Nikic, Nikola Vukcevic and shooter Mladjan Janovic (3 goals) as well as fellow Montenegrin driver Vjekoslav Paskovic. The Italian defence however proved solid and got Galatasaray in trouble right from the start. On the breakaway Recco quickly started to walk away while the man-ups, drawn by centre forward Dusko Pijetlovic and Matteo Aicardi, proved successful as well causing the Turkish visitors, and their head coach Igor Milanovic, a tough night in Sori. The trio of Francesco di Fulvio, Andrija Prlainovic and Filip Filipovic led all scorers with 3 each. As mentioned Janovic scored 3 of Galatasaray's 4 goals.
For ZF-Eger and Olympiacos the Champions League prelims started with a draw. A seemingly fair result for a close and tense match-up. It was Spanish left-hander Blai Mallarach who saved the day for Olympiacos scoring the equaliser with just ten seconds remaining in the match. It erased a close lead for the Hungarian home team who had trailed most of the match but on the right moment, the final period, all of a sudden turned the score around and led 6-5 and 7-6 in the first half of the last term. After veteran Jesse Smith had tied the Greek 7-7 with over two minutes remaining Eger once more got in front as centre forward and top scorer Balazs Harai netted his 3rd with just 1.27 on the clock. A big blow but just not big enough to grab the win. Olympiacos struck in the final seconds of the game following an exclusion for Balazs Erdelyi and subsequent timeout that resulted in the Mallarach goal as the teams shared the points in group A on opening night.
First Final Six winners Barceloneta did managed to start with a win. The Spanish champions topped German's best Spandau 9-7 at home Wednesday. Almost literally carried by one of the team's aquisitions this summer, Serbian shooter Strahinja Rasovic. The winger scored 5 goals including a pair of big ones in the final period after Spandau smelled blood in the third quarter in which they crawled back to 5-4 and 6-5 deficits before Rasovic, in the final term, got Barceloneta to lead by two goals on two ocassions. His goals for the 7-5 and 8-6 score proved vital in secured the victory as the comeback attempt by the German visitors seemed broken and so with Albert Español netting his only shot of the game at 1.28 remaining, the win for the home team was secured. The last hit, by Spandau's Spencer Hamby was just to set the final score at 9-7. But Barceloneta got away with a valuable win in the highly competitive group A.
Champions League 2015-2016
Preliminary phase
Wednesday, 28 October - Round 1
Group A
Jadran Herceg Novi (MNE) vs. Primorje EB Rijeka (CRO) 9-11 (2-3, 2-2, 2-2, 3-4)
Jadran scorers: Vlado Popadic 2, Nikola Janovic 2, Zeljko Kovacic, Stefan Vidovic, Bojan Banicevic, Miroslav Randjic, Stefan Pjesivac.
Primorje scorers: Miho Boskovic 4, Nikola Dedovic 2, Gonzalo Echenique 2, Mislav Vrlic, Ante Vukicevic, Andjelo Setka.
ZF-Eger (HUN) vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) 8-8 (1-1, 1-3, 3-1, 3-3)
Eger scorers: Balazs Harai 3, Marton Szivos 2, Boris Vapenski 2, Milos Cuk.
Olympiacos scorers: Ioannis Fountoulis 2, Konstantinos Mourikis 2, Emmanouil Mylonakis, Jesse Smith, Christodoulos Kolomvos, Blai Mallarach.
CN Atletic-Barceloneta (ESP) vs. Wasserfreunde Spandau Berlin (GER) 9-7 (2-1, 3-2, 1-2, 3-2)
Barceloneta scorers: Strahinja Rasovic 5, Marc Minguell 2, Albert Español, Viktor Rasovic.
Spandau scorers: Mateo Cuk 2, Tobias Preuss 2, Mehdi Marzouki, Marko Stamm, Spencer Hamby.
Group B
Pro Recco (ITA) vs. Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR) 15-4 (4-0, 6-2, 3-0, 2-2)
Pro Recco scorers: Francesco di Fulvio 3, Andrija Prlainovic 3, Filip Filipovic 3, Dusko Pijetlovic 2, Sandro Sukno 2, Michaël Bodegas, Aleksandar Ivovic.
Galatasaray scorers: Mladjan Janovic 3, Slobodan Nikic.
Partizan Raiffeisen Belgrade (SRB) vs. Szolnoki VSK (HUN) 9-14 (2-4, 2-4, 3-5, 2-1)
Partizan scorers: Gavril Subotic 4, Marko Manojlovic, Drasko Gogov, Nikola Jaksic, Filip Radojevic, Mateja Asanovic.
Szolnok scorers: Marton Vamos 4, Tamas Mezei 3, Daniel Varga 2, Denes Varga 2, Bence Fulöp, Aaron Younger, Gabor Kis.
20.15: OSC (HUN) vs. Jug CO Dubrovnik (CRO)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
El CNAB debuta ganando por 9—7 en la Champions
28/10/2015 - El CN Atlètic—Barceloneta ha comenzado la fase previa de la Champions League ganando por 9—7 (2—1, 3—2, 1—2 y 3—2) al Spandau 04 de Berlín en un partido muy intenso y que hasta el final no se ha decantado del lado de los marineros. El gran protagonista del partido ha sido Strahinja Rasovic (CNAB) autor de 5 goles, que ha declarado estar "muy contento por debutar con mi nuevo equipo en la Champions League. Podemos jugar mejor pero estamos muy contentos con el resultado".
Por su parte, Chus Martín (Entrenador del CNAB), manifestó en zona mixta tras el encuentro que "el Spandau es un equipo muy fuerte y ha sido un partido muy complicado. Este fase previa va a ser muy igualada. Hemos tenido muchas ocasiones para irnos en el marcador pero hasta el final no hemos sentenciado".
Comunicación RFEN. Fotos: Tiempo muerto del encuentro con el CNAB y, sobre estas líneas, Chus Martín (CNAB) en zona mixta / CNAB
28/10/2015 - El CN Atlètic—Barceloneta ha comenzado la fase previa de la Champions League ganando por 9—7 (2—1, 3—2, 1—2 y 3—2) al Spandau 04 de Berlín en un partido muy intenso y que hasta el final no se ha decantado del lado de los marineros. El gran protagonista del partido ha sido Strahinja Rasovic (CNAB) autor de 5 goles, que ha declarado estar "muy contento por debutar con mi nuevo equipo en la Champions League. Podemos jugar mejor pero estamos muy contentos con el resultado".
Por su parte, Chus Martín (Entrenador del CNAB), manifestó en zona mixta tras el encuentro que "el Spandau es un equipo muy fuerte y ha sido un partido muy complicado. Este fase previa va a ser muy igualada. Hemos tenido muchas ocasiones para irnos en el marcador pero hasta el final no hemos sentenciado".
Comunicación RFEN. Fotos: Tiempo muerto del encuentro con el CNAB y, sobre estas líneas, Chus Martín (CNAB) en zona mixta / CNAB
Marc Minguell: "Empezar bien es vital"
29/10/2015 - Trabajado y celebrado primer triunfo del CN Atlètic Barceloneta en esta LEN Champions League 2015—16. El cuadro que dirige Chus Martín tuvo que emplearse a fondo para sumar estos primeros puntos en la visita del Spandau Berlín a la piscina Sant Sebastià, un buen comienzo que buscarán que se alargue en la segunda jornada, donde repetirán en casa pero esta vez ante el Jadran Herceg Novi, que debutó con derrota frente a Primorje en Montenegro.
"En esta competición lo importante es empezar bien, con los tres puntos, sobre todo en casa, donde no podemos fallar en ninguno de los partidos. Creo que este equipo robará puntos a los equipos más favoritos del Grupo. Es un conjunto muy fuerte, luchador, con la dureza típica alemana, así que hoy nos llevamos esto, los tres puntos, aunque quizás no ha sido el partido soñado a nivel de juego", aseguraba en la zona mixta después del encuentro Marc Minguell, uno de los destacados ayer (junto con el serbio Strahinja Rasovic, autor de cinco dianas) del choque con sus dos goles.
Preguntado sobre las claves del partido librado en la Sant Sebastià, Marc nos dice esto: "Hemos empezado muy bien por el 2-0, luego hemos logrado mantenernos por delante, que es importante a nivel de confianza, sobre todo para nosotros. Creo que en defensa hemos estado bien, aunque tenemos que mejorar en el hombre de menos, pero en líneas generales hemos estado bien y Dani, como siempre, ha estado espectacular y ha parado mucho. Eso siempre nos ayuda a la hora de imprimir velocidad al contraataque, algo que nos viene muy bien y a ellos les cuesta".
SE CORROBORA LA IGUALDAD DE ESTE GRUPO B
El inicio del Grupo B no defraudó a nadie y siguió el guión de igualdad que se esperaba desde un buen inicio con el empate entre ZF Eger y Olympiacos (8-8) y el triunfo de Primorje en Herceg Novi (9-11). "Este grupo será una batalla en cada partido. Seguramente los resultados que se darán serán así, muy ajustados, y lo importante es no perder puntos en casa, eso es lo que todos los equipos buscarán y creo que no se decidirá hasta el final".
Por último Marc nos habla del Jadran, próximo rival marinero: "Sabemos que es un equipo joven y a diferencia del Spandau ellos sí que son más jóvenes y tienen un juego más parecido al nuestro, de contraataque, con jugadores rápidos. Será un partido interesante de ver y tenemos que lograr los tres puntos porque en principio son los dos rivales más flojos del grupo y no podemos fallar en casa". Si no hay modificaciones, se enfrentarán el miércoles 11 de noviembre (19.15h) de nuevo en la Sant Sebastià.
Sergi Capdevila (Comunicación RFEN). Foto: Minguell, en un lance del choque ante Spandau de ayer / RFEN
29/10/2015 - Trabajado y celebrado primer triunfo del CN Atlètic Barceloneta en esta LEN Champions League 2015—16. El cuadro que dirige Chus Martín tuvo que emplearse a fondo para sumar estos primeros puntos en la visita del Spandau Berlín a la piscina Sant Sebastià, un buen comienzo que buscarán que se alargue en la segunda jornada, donde repetirán en casa pero esta vez ante el Jadran Herceg Novi, que debutó con derrota frente a Primorje en Montenegro.
"En esta competición lo importante es empezar bien, con los tres puntos, sobre todo en casa, donde no podemos fallar en ninguno de los partidos. Creo que este equipo robará puntos a los equipos más favoritos del Grupo. Es un conjunto muy fuerte, luchador, con la dureza típica alemana, así que hoy nos llevamos esto, los tres puntos, aunque quizás no ha sido el partido soñado a nivel de juego", aseguraba en la zona mixta después del encuentro Marc Minguell, uno de los destacados ayer (junto con el serbio Strahinja Rasovic, autor de cinco dianas) del choque con sus dos goles.
Preguntado sobre las claves del partido librado en la Sant Sebastià, Marc nos dice esto: "Hemos empezado muy bien por el 2-0, luego hemos logrado mantenernos por delante, que es importante a nivel de confianza, sobre todo para nosotros. Creo que en defensa hemos estado bien, aunque tenemos que mejorar en el hombre de menos, pero en líneas generales hemos estado bien y Dani, como siempre, ha estado espectacular y ha parado mucho. Eso siempre nos ayuda a la hora de imprimir velocidad al contraataque, algo que nos viene muy bien y a ellos les cuesta".
SE CORROBORA LA IGUALDAD DE ESTE GRUPO B
El inicio del Grupo B no defraudó a nadie y siguió el guión de igualdad que se esperaba desde un buen inicio con el empate entre ZF Eger y Olympiacos (8-8) y el triunfo de Primorje en Herceg Novi (9-11). "Este grupo será una batalla en cada partido. Seguramente los resultados que se darán serán así, muy ajustados, y lo importante es no perder puntos en casa, eso es lo que todos los equipos buscarán y creo que no se decidirá hasta el final".
Por último Marc nos habla del Jadran, próximo rival marinero: "Sabemos que es un equipo joven y a diferencia del Spandau ellos sí que son más jóvenes y tienen un juego más parecido al nuestro, de contraataque, con jugadores rápidos. Será un partido interesante de ver y tenemos que lograr los tres puntos porque en principio son los dos rivales más flojos del grupo y no podemos fallar en casa". Si no hay modificaciones, se enfrentarán el miércoles 11 de noviembre (19.15h) de nuevo en la Sant Sebastià.
Sergi Capdevila (Comunicación RFEN). Foto: Minguell, en un lance del choque ante Spandau de ayer / RFEN
L’Atlètic-Barceloneta debuta a la Champions contra l’Spandau 04 (BTV)
L'Atlètic-Barceloneta debutarà en la Champions 2015-2016 enfrontant-se a l'Spandau 04 alemany. L'equip de Chus Martín rebrà la visita (19.15 h, piscina de Sant Sebastià) d'un dels equips més forts de la Bundeslliga de waterpolo, en què ha guanyat 34 títols de Lliga.
Exciting Champions League prelims to start
The race for the prestigious Final Six tournament can now begin. After a busy three-round qualification phase the main Champions League season gets underway with the preliminary phase opening round this Wednesday. An exciting draw leaves little room for qualification in group A as Final Six hosts ZF-Eger are already sure of participation in the final tournament in Budapest, early June, with the two other spots to be taken by several contenders including last year's finalists Primorje. In group B reigning champions Pro Recco are the favourites but will meet fellow contenders in Hungarian champs Szolnok and strengthened Croatian powerhouse Jug.
But first things first as the opening round will not see these teams meet just yet although that doesn't mean there is no exciting water polo on display across Europe. Not at all. An interesting case this season will be to see whether Greek champions Olympiacos will finally make it to the Final Six. The team saw veteran Serbian defender Nikola Radjen being suspended and subsequently fired for alleged drug substance abuse last season as the dominant Greek force signed Croatian 2012 World Player of the Year goalkeeper Josip Pavic from Mladost and added Team USA veteran defender Jesse Smith to the roster for this season. After a majority of the team, including coach Thodoris Vlachos, qualified for the 2016 Olympics thanks to a bronze medal at the World Championships in Kazan with the national team playing some sensational water polo, the team will be looking to continue that momentum into the club season and reward their success with a spot in the Final Six tournament. Kicking things off for the Greek will be a visit to Eger, Hungary where the Final Six hosts, already qualified, await. Example of the last two years, Barceloneta, two times proved that doesn't hold a team back from competing and trying to obtain the highest place in the group, to also prove their spot in the final tournament is legitimate. Such will be the case for Eger who had their fair share of troubles in the Champions League prelims in recent years, made it to the Final Six last year eliminating Olympiacos, and will be eager to show their worth in the league this season. Both teams met in last year's group stage with close final scores as a result (Eger won home match 10-9, lost away match 8-6).
In other matches in group A will see Jadran Herceg Novi host Primorje Rijeka in the battle of the qualifiers. Each team survived the qualification phase, with some convincing results, while the Croatian champions made it all the way to the final in Barcelona last season only to fall to Pro Recco. Despite some transfers this past summer they can still be considered favourites, especially in their group, for this year's campaign. A recent first top match-up, last weekend in the Croatian cup preliminary round, saw Primorje draw level with Croatian rivals Jug.
Spanish champs Barceloneta will start their Champions League adventure at home hosting German's best Spandau. The Spanish side will have their goal set on returning to the Final Six but haven't showed their best form just yet. Most recently lower ranked Sant Andreu were close to an upset in the Spanish league 5th round as Barceloneta just prevailed 6-7. And in the previous round they drew level with Mataro Quadis 8-8 so that the dominant force Barceloneta was in the past season, despite a similar scenario in Spain last year leading to another convincing championship, is yet to be reached this season. Visiting Spandau have shown to be a tough side to deal with in Europe, especially at home, playing close results against Jug and Partizan last year in the prelims.
Meanwhile in group B defending champs Pro Recco kick things off at home hosting Galatasaray. A nice match-up as last year's head coach Igor Milanovic, who led Recco to the 'treble', left the club this summer and found a new employer in the Turkish champion who will travel to Sori for Wednesday's opening round match. The Serbian legend will be able to shake hands with most of last year's players as Recco parted ways with Maro Jokovic (returned to Jug) and Federico Lapenna (who left for Lazio). The incoming transfers however were spectacular once again with Michaël Bodegas coming over from rivals Brescia, Serbian sensation lefty Dusan Mandic leaving Partizan and Sandro Sukno being signed for his 2nd stint with the club, this time coming from Primorje. It creates a stunning and All-Star filled roster for the European matches with Serbian world champions Filip Filipovic and Andrija Prlainovic, who only play the European matches this season, joining the team in the Champions League instantly making Recco title favourites again. On Wednesday Galatasaray faces the daunting task of starting their prelims campaign playing Recco in Italy. The Turks, led by Serbian centre forward Slobodan Nikic, will hope to gain rythm for later matches which could prove vital in the battle for the top 3 positions in this group.
An interesting battle with several contenders. One of them sure is Szolnok. The Hungarian champions who had a successful domestic season last year but played a disappointing Final Six in Barcelona will surely seek revenge in an attempt to live up to the expectations considering their impressive roster. Things are going as planned in the domestic league so far, now the squad will have to prove things to go the same way in the Champions League, and more importantly, at the Final Six, later on. They start with an away match in Belgrade visiting Partizan. The young squad, ever-tough and even successful last season in Europe, receive a major blow as team leader Dusan Mandic left to Recco this summer, but will try to give it their best. And so once more, the team led by coach Vladimir Vujasinovic, can be considered a young, highly talented, tough one to beat, especially at home in Belgrade. The team was blown away by Primorje in the Regional league two weeks ago (15-3) and so know their Champions League campaign could turn out to be a rather tough one. But the team holds relatively experienced youngsters such as top scorer Gavril Subotic who is capable of scoring and leading his team against any opponent. All will realise though that Szolnok will come in as the clear favourite for this meeting.
The final match of the day, played in Budapest, could be a rather interesting one as OSC, last year's finalist in Hungary, host Jug. Despite the Croatian visitors will come in enjoying a favourite role, they will face some fierce opposition by the ambitious home side who have their eyes set on gaining success in Europe this season. Surviving the qualification phase, including eliminating Romanian champs CSM DiGi Oradea, has given OSC some highly competitive matches to gain rhythm early on in the season. They will need it against the favourite Jug squad who are comfortably leading the Regional league gaining four wins in as many rounds of play while qualifying for the Croatian cup Final Four this weekend. Here the first top match-up of the season saw them drawing level with main rivals Primorje 7-7. Now they visit Budapest to take on the side leading group B of the Hungarian league despite an upset defeat by Debrecen early October (7-5). However they returned to winning ways this weekend comfortably beating UVSE 14-7 behind proven scorers Bence Batori and veteran Drasko Brguljan. The absence of centre forward Joe Kayes, who had to return to Australia in order to continuing his effort of obtaining Australian citizenship, will be felt but it doesn't leave OSC of pursuing success in the Champions League. Their first big test is right there on Wednesday.
Champions League 2015-2016
Preliminary phase
Wednesday, 28 October - Round 1
Group A
18.00: Jadran Herceg Novi (MNE) vs. Primorje EB Rijeka (CRO)
18.45: ZF-Eger (HUN) vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
19.15: CN Atletic-Barceloneta (ESP) vs. Wasserfreunde Spandau Berlin (GER)
Group B
20.00: Pro Recco (ITA) vs. Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR)
20.00: Partizan Raiffeisen Belgrade (SRB) vs. Szolnoki VSK (HUN)
20.15: OSC (HUN) vs. Jug CO Dubrovnik (CRO)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
Pictured: Eger's Uros Cuckovic defending Olympiacos' Christodoulos Kolomvos in the teams last year's Champions League meeting.
Full preliminary phase schedule, click here.
But first things first as the opening round will not see these teams meet just yet although that doesn't mean there is no exciting water polo on display across Europe. Not at all. An interesting case this season will be to see whether Greek champions Olympiacos will finally make it to the Final Six. The team saw veteran Serbian defender Nikola Radjen being suspended and subsequently fired for alleged drug substance abuse last season as the dominant Greek force signed Croatian 2012 World Player of the Year goalkeeper Josip Pavic from Mladost and added Team USA veteran defender Jesse Smith to the roster for this season. After a majority of the team, including coach Thodoris Vlachos, qualified for the 2016 Olympics thanks to a bronze medal at the World Championships in Kazan with the national team playing some sensational water polo, the team will be looking to continue that momentum into the club season and reward their success with a spot in the Final Six tournament. Kicking things off for the Greek will be a visit to Eger, Hungary where the Final Six hosts, already qualified, await. Example of the last two years, Barceloneta, two times proved that doesn't hold a team back from competing and trying to obtain the highest place in the group, to also prove their spot in the final tournament is legitimate. Such will be the case for Eger who had their fair share of troubles in the Champions League prelims in recent years, made it to the Final Six last year eliminating Olympiacos, and will be eager to show their worth in the league this season. Both teams met in last year's group stage with close final scores as a result (Eger won home match 10-9, lost away match 8-6).
In other matches in group A will see Jadran Herceg Novi host Primorje Rijeka in the battle of the qualifiers. Each team survived the qualification phase, with some convincing results, while the Croatian champions made it all the way to the final in Barcelona last season only to fall to Pro Recco. Despite some transfers this past summer they can still be considered favourites, especially in their group, for this year's campaign. A recent first top match-up, last weekend in the Croatian cup preliminary round, saw Primorje draw level with Croatian rivals Jug.
Spanish champs Barceloneta will start their Champions League adventure at home hosting German's best Spandau. The Spanish side will have their goal set on returning to the Final Six but haven't showed their best form just yet. Most recently lower ranked Sant Andreu were close to an upset in the Spanish league 5th round as Barceloneta just prevailed 6-7. And in the previous round they drew level with Mataro Quadis 8-8 so that the dominant force Barceloneta was in the past season, despite a similar scenario in Spain last year leading to another convincing championship, is yet to be reached this season. Visiting Spandau have shown to be a tough side to deal with in Europe, especially at home, playing close results against Jug and Partizan last year in the prelims.
Meanwhile in group B defending champs Pro Recco kick things off at home hosting Galatasaray. A nice match-up as last year's head coach Igor Milanovic, who led Recco to the 'treble', left the club this summer and found a new employer in the Turkish champion who will travel to Sori for Wednesday's opening round match. The Serbian legend will be able to shake hands with most of last year's players as Recco parted ways with Maro Jokovic (returned to Jug) and Federico Lapenna (who left for Lazio). The incoming transfers however were spectacular once again with Michaël Bodegas coming over from rivals Brescia, Serbian sensation lefty Dusan Mandic leaving Partizan and Sandro Sukno being signed for his 2nd stint with the club, this time coming from Primorje. It creates a stunning and All-Star filled roster for the European matches with Serbian world champions Filip Filipovic and Andrija Prlainovic, who only play the European matches this season, joining the team in the Champions League instantly making Recco title favourites again. On Wednesday Galatasaray faces the daunting task of starting their prelims campaign playing Recco in Italy. The Turks, led by Serbian centre forward Slobodan Nikic, will hope to gain rythm for later matches which could prove vital in the battle for the top 3 positions in this group.
An interesting battle with several contenders. One of them sure is Szolnok. The Hungarian champions who had a successful domestic season last year but played a disappointing Final Six in Barcelona will surely seek revenge in an attempt to live up to the expectations considering their impressive roster. Things are going as planned in the domestic league so far, now the squad will have to prove things to go the same way in the Champions League, and more importantly, at the Final Six, later on. They start with an away match in Belgrade visiting Partizan. The young squad, ever-tough and even successful last season in Europe, receive a major blow as team leader Dusan Mandic left to Recco this summer, but will try to give it their best. And so once more, the team led by coach Vladimir Vujasinovic, can be considered a young, highly talented, tough one to beat, especially at home in Belgrade. The team was blown away by Primorje in the Regional league two weeks ago (15-3) and so know their Champions League campaign could turn out to be a rather tough one. But the team holds relatively experienced youngsters such as top scorer Gavril Subotic who is capable of scoring and leading his team against any opponent. All will realise though that Szolnok will come in as the clear favourite for this meeting.
The final match of the day, played in Budapest, could be a rather interesting one as OSC, last year's finalist in Hungary, host Jug. Despite the Croatian visitors will come in enjoying a favourite role, they will face some fierce opposition by the ambitious home side who have their eyes set on gaining success in Europe this season. Surviving the qualification phase, including eliminating Romanian champs CSM DiGi Oradea, has given OSC some highly competitive matches to gain rhythm early on in the season. They will need it against the favourite Jug squad who are comfortably leading the Regional league gaining four wins in as many rounds of play while qualifying for the Croatian cup Final Four this weekend. Here the first top match-up of the season saw them drawing level with main rivals Primorje 7-7. Now they visit Budapest to take on the side leading group B of the Hungarian league despite an upset defeat by Debrecen early October (7-5). However they returned to winning ways this weekend comfortably beating UVSE 14-7 behind proven scorers Bence Batori and veteran Drasko Brguljan. The absence of centre forward Joe Kayes, who had to return to Australia in order to continuing his effort of obtaining Australian citizenship, will be felt but it doesn't leave OSC of pursuing success in the Champions League. Their first big test is right there on Wednesday.
Champions League 2015-2016
Preliminary phase
Wednesday, 28 October - Round 1
Group A
18.00: Jadran Herceg Novi (MNE) vs. Primorje EB Rijeka (CRO)
18.45: ZF-Eger (HUN) vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
19.15: CN Atletic-Barceloneta (ESP) vs. Wasserfreunde Spandau Berlin (GER)
Group B
20.00: Pro Recco (ITA) vs. Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR)
20.00: Partizan Raiffeisen Belgrade (SRB) vs. Szolnoki VSK (HUN)
20.15: OSC (HUN) vs. Jug CO Dubrovnik (CRO)
N.b.: time mentioned is local time.
Pictured: Eger's Uros Cuckovic defending Olympiacos' Christodoulos Kolomvos in the teams last year's Champions League meeting.
Full preliminary phase schedule, click here.
CNAB—Spandau: La Champions League abre el telón
27/10/2015 - El CN Atlètic Barceloneta debutará en la presente edición de la Champions League mañana miércoles a las 19.15h y con el Spandau Berlín como rival. El cuadro marinero, encuadrado en el Grupo A junto con ZF Eger (HUN, ya clasificado al ejercer como anfitrión), Jadran (MON), Primorje (CRO), Olympiakos (GRE) y Spandau (ALE). En principio, Chus Martín tendrá a toda la plantilla disponible para este primer y vital envite en casa.
Con solo dos plazas en juego para la Final Six de Hungría en este Grupo, se presume muy importante sumar los primeros seis puntos contra el conjunto alemán y ante el Jadran Herceg Novi también en casa (11 de noviembre también a las 19.15h). En la tercera fecha, el conjunto barcelonés visitar al Eger un tierras húngaras. El resto de partidos del Grupo son Jadran-Primorje y ZF Eger-Olympiacos.
"Sabemos que será muy complicado colarnos en esas dos primeras plazas que dan acceso a la Final Six. En principio, Primorje y Olympiacos serán nuestros principales rivales, pero ni mucho menos podemos confiarnos con Spandau y Jadran. Estas últimas semanas nos está costando un poco, pero Europa es otra historia, el tipo de juego es muy distinto", nos comentaba Marc Roca hace unos días.
"Spandau tiene la base de la selección alemana y a dos jugadores franceses de referencia, uno de ellos Mehdi Marzouki, al que conocemos del año pasado en Mataró. Son bastante anárquicos y habrá que vigilar porque pueden salir por cualquier lado. El objetivo es tratar de desgastarlos y hacerles daño en el tramo final", aseguraba el jugador internacional español.
MALLARACH, ECHENIQUE Y XAVI GARCÍA TAMBIÉN ENTRAN EN JUEGO
El destino ha querido que Blai Mallarach y Chalo Echenique se crucen en el camino del CN Atlètic Barceloneta en este Grupo A. Chalo se enfrentará a sus excompañeros apenas unos meses después de dejar el club marinero. Será el 3 de febrero en Rijeka cuando se produzca el primer encuentro entre ambos. Por su lado, Mallarach y su Olympiacos debutan ante el Jadran montenegrino. Además, Xavi Garcia se estrena en Champions con el JUG Dubrovnik frente al Partizan serbio.
Comunicación RFEN. Foto: Foto del conjunto marinero tras lograr el bronce en la última Final Six / RFEN
Enlaces relacionados
Partidos J1Tarda de champions a la Barceloneta (FCN)
Avui a les 19.15 h la piscina de Sant Sebastià tornarà a acollir una jornada de Champions. La primera d'aquesta nova temporada a on la classificació per la Final Six de Budapest serà força complicada. El fet és que els mariners estan enquadrats en el Grup A juntament amb el ZF Eger hongarès, que ja té la classificació per aquesta F6 com amfitrió i per tant queden 2 places per a 5 equips, el C.N.Atlètic Barceloneta, el Spandaau, l'Olympiacos, el Primorje i el Jadran Herceg Novi.
Comença avui, de nou, el repte dels catalans, per arribar a aquesta Final 6 de la Champions i per tornar-se a postular com a un dels millors equips de waterpolo d'Europa. Marc Roca, del club mariner, amb declaracions a la web de la RFEN ha dit: "Sabem que serà molt complicat colar-nos en aquestes dues primeres places de grup que donen accés a la Final Six. En principi el Primorje i l'Olympiacos seran els nostres principals rivals, però no es podem confiar amb l'Spandau i el Jadran. Aquestes últimes setmanes ens està constant una mica, però Europa és una altra història, el tipus de joc és diferent.". En relació al rival alemany d'avui Roca diu : " L'Spandau té la base de la selecció alemanya i a dos jugadors francesos de referència, un d'ell Mehdi Marzouki, a qui ja coneixem de l'any passat perquè va jugar al Mataró. Son força anarquics i haurem de vigiliar perquè et poden sorprendre en qualsevol moment. L'objectiu és desgastar-los y fer-los mal al tram final del partit".
Champions League preliminary round schedule
In a week time the main phase of the Champions League will get underway with the preliminaries opening round. The four teams coming out of the three-round qualification phase have joined the wild card holders for a top group of contenders set to battle for the Final Six in the next ten rounds of play. The first round next Wednesday will already provide several mouth-watering clashes including defending champion Pro Recco hosting Galatasaray and head coach Igor Milanovic who last year led Recco to Italian league and Champions League triumph. In group A ZF-Eger will experience a tough start to their Champions League campaign as Olympiacos will pay them a visit. The same goes for fellow Hungarian OSC in group B, as Jug Dubrovnik will be coming to Budapest. Qualifiers Jadran Herceg Novi and Primorje Rijeka will go head to head in Montenegro.
Read more to check out the complete preliminary phase schedule. Playing times will be announced later, and any case in previews before any round specifically.
Champions League 2015-2016
Preliminary phase
Wednesday, 28 October - Round 1
Read more to check out the complete preliminary phase schedule. Playing times will be announced later, and any case in previews before any round specifically.
Champions League 2015-2016
Preliminary phase
Wednesday, 28 October - Round 1
Barceloneta—Spandau, el miércoles a las 19.15h
22/10/2015 - El CN Atlètic Barceloneta inicia su andadura en la Ronda Preliminar de la LEN Champions League el próximo miércoles en su piscina Sant Sebastià a las 19.15h. El cuadro marinero debuta en casa frente al Spandau de Berlín sabedor de que tan solo hay dos plazas en juego en este Grupo A, puesto que el ZF Eger húngaro tiene ya el billlete asegurado para la Final Six al ejercer de anfitrión. Jadran—Primorje y Eger—Olympiacos completarán esta primera jornada.
El conjunto marinero repetirá en su feudo en la segunda fecha, cuando recibirá al Jadran Herceg Novi montenegrino en la Sant Sebastià.
Comunicación RFEN. Foto: La Sant Sebastià volverá a vivir un duelo de Champions el próximo miércoles / RFEN
Classifica Girone A:
| TEAM | G | V | S | P | GF | GS | DIFF | PUNTI | |
 | Barceloneta | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Primorje | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Eger | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Olympiacos | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Jadran Herceg Novi | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Spandau | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Classifica Girone B:
| TEAM | G | V | S | P | GF | GS | DIFF | PUNTI | |
 | Pro Recco | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Partizan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Szolnoki | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jug | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| OSC Budapest | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
 | Galatasaray | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1a giornata | And | Rit |
| Barceloneta – Spandau | 28/10 | 18/05 |
| Eger – Olympiacos | 28/10 | 18/05 |
| Jadran Herceg Novi – Primorje | 28/10 | 18/05 |
| Pro Recco – Galatasaray | 28/10 | 18/05 |
| OSC Budapest – Jug | 28/10 | 18/05 |
| Partizan – Szolnoki | 28/10 | 18/05 |
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