Courtesy: LEN Media
The draws of the Euro League and the LEN Trophy Final Four tournaments were held today in Nyon at the LEN Office. LEN also allocated the finals: the Euro League will return to Sabadell (ESP), while the LEN Trophy finals shall be held in Kirishi (RUS).
Sabadell was the last team to secure its place in the Euro League Final Four on Tuesday evening. The Spanish team enjoyed a three-goal advantage from the first leg, still, its rival Orizzonte fought hard, even led at the beginning of the second period but the hosts hit back and by the end of the third they settled the bill by taking a three-goal lead and doubling their advantage in aggregate. Credit goes to Orizzonte for having staged a fine finish and the saved this game to a tie at the end (11-11), so the 8-time winner side bowed out in style.
On Wednesday it was time for the draws which were conducted in Nyon at the LEN Office at the presence of club representatives. In the Euro League, the two Greek clubs, 2015 champion Olympiacos and 2010 and 2011 winner Vouliagmeni, will have a face-off in the semis while Sabadell is to meet the event’s newcomer Padova (ITA). The finals will be played in Sabadell again after 2016 – back then the Spaniards clinched the trophy for the fourth and till date the last time.
The LEN Trophy finals promise the same quality as a Euro League F4 as three of last year’s Euro League finalists should play there. This includes 2017 and 2018 winner Kirishi which will host this year’s event. The Russians meet UVSE (HUN) in the semis, the latter was 4th last season and won the LEN Trophy in 2017. Orizzonte (ITA), bronze medalist in the EL a year ago, was paired against newcomer Sant Andreu (ESP).
The Euro League F4 will take place at Easter time (19-20 April) while the clashes for the LEN Trophy are scheduled for 12-13 April. Exact playing times will be available later.
Draws
Euro League Final Four (Sabadell)
Plebiscito Padova (ITA) v Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)
NC Vouliagmeni (GRE) v Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
LEN Trophy Final Four (Kirishi)
Ekipe Orizzonte Catania (ITA) v Sant Andreu (ESP)
Kinef Surgutneftegas Kirishi (RUS) v UVSE Budapest Hunguest Hotels (HUN)
