There is no stopping in water polo action on the European stage – the excitements of all three men competitions are still with us from Tuesday and Wednesday, but now it’s time to watch the ladies as the Euro Cup Women quarter-finals are commencing. The first legs of four outstanding duels are in sight on Saturday in the newly launched Euro Cup Women. The two Greek–Hungarian clashes are perhaps the most awaited encounters – especially the game of UVSE and Ethnikos. UVSE were part of the Euro League F4 last year, finished 4th, while Ethnikos won the LEN Trophy. They already met this season, in the prelims of the Champions League, UVSE won 10-8 in Budapest – now they face off again and only one can make the semis. In the other match-up Vouliagmeni meet Eger – the Greeks might be considered the favourites to go through, but Eger, returning to the international stage after long years, line up some quality players who can decide big games single-handedly. The third Hungarian team FTC, the freshly crowned local cup-winner visit Terrassa. The Magyars have all but fond memories from Spanish rivals as they were ousted by Sabadell and Mataro in the CL prelims (though beat Mediterrani in the qualifications). It’s yet to be seen how they fare against their fourth rival from the Barcelona agglomeration. There is one contest which may turn into a one-sided game. Padova, bronze medallist in last spring in the Euro League F4, take on Lille – again. The already thrashed the French 18-10 in the CL qualifications and that looks like a promising preview for the Italians. For livescoring and live streaming (from the games where the hosts provide it), visit https://www.len.eu/disciplines/water-polo/euro-cup-women/ Euro Cup Women, Quarter-finals, 1st leg
15.30 UVSE Budapest (HUN) v Ethnikos Piraeus (GRE)16.00 Antenore Plebiscito Padova (ITA) v Lille UC (FRA)19.00 (18.00 CET) NC Vouliagmeni (GRE) v Tigra ZF Eger (HUN)19.30 CA Terrassa (ESP) v FTC Telekom Budapest (HUN)