Two Barcelona water polo clubs, Club Natació Catalunya and Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, have made history by reaching the final of the women's Euro Cup 2025-2026. This marks the first time either team has progressed to the final of Europe's second most important water polo competition.
The teams, coached by Javi Belmonte for CN Catalunya and Chus Martín for CN Atlètic-Barceloneta, secured their places after successfully navigating the group stages and knockout rounds. The final will be a two-legged affair, with the first match scheduled for 27 May at the Sant Sebastià pool and the return leg on 3 June at the Sant Jordi pool.
Catalunya's Path to the Final
CN Catalunya faced BVSC Manna ABC from Hungary in the semi-finals, with the first leg played at the Sant Jordi pool. Before that, in the quarter-finals, they overcame Greek side Glyfada. Despite Glyfada having reached the competition's semi-finals last season, the Gràcia-based team secured their passage.
Last season, CN Catalunya finished sixth in the league and were eliminated in the Euro Cup quarter-finals by Tenerife Echeyde by a single goal. This season, however, they showed clear superiority over their two group stage rivals in Euro Cup Group D. Playing their home matches at the Sant Jordi pool, CN Catalunya was grouped with Pallanuoto Trieste from Italy and III Keruleti TVE from Hungary. They lost their opening group match against the Italian team but reversed the goal difference in the return fixture in Italy. They also secured victories in both matches against Keruleti.
Atlètic-Barceloneta's Journey
CN Atlètic-Barceloneta was drawn against Pallanuoto Trieste in their Euro Cup semi-final, with the first leg taking place at the Sant Sebastià pool. Earlier in the quarter-finals, Chus Martín's team faced the Polar Bears from the Netherlands. Despite the Dutch team's aspirations in the competition, Atlètic-Barceloneta eliminated them.
CN Atlètic-Barceloneta finished seventh in the women's División de Honor last season and entered the Euro Cup due to Club Esportiu Mediterrani's withdrawal. They competed in a preliminary phase, where they topped their group and qualified for the main group stage. Their group stage campaign started with a loss to Padua in Italy, but the team then secured three consecutive victories, which propelled them to the top of their group standings.
This historic final between two Catalan clubs highlights the growing strength of women's water polo in the region. The upcoming matches in late May and early June will determine the Euro Cup champion for the 2025-2026 season.
