Both Russian teams – Kazan, Kirishi – made the quarters, while neither of the two Italian sides survived the second round of the Euro Cup qualifications which offered three days of sheer excitement. Hungary and Croatia both saw one of their participating clubs going through. It was long-time ago when almost all games were as balanced and tough in qualification tournaments as the ones played in the second round of the process in the Euro Cup.
In Group A, the Russians enjoyed a great weekend, both Kazan and Kirishi remained unbeaten, though it wasn’t a great marching but a series of hard-fought battles, with draws and narrow wins. However, at the end they got the upper hand, while Ferencvaros Budapest (HUN), group-winner two weeks ago, couldn’t catch the train this time: a last- minute equaliser from Kirishi on the closing day ousted the Hungarians. Also, it was a bitter weekend for Acquachiara (ITA), runner-up last season, as they bowed out after three losses despite playing in their home pool.
Group B saw two sides representing Split playing at home – at the end Mornar managed to qualify by finishing atop while Jadran had to settle for the bottom place. Though Mornar, semi-finalist last season, were playing on the edge during the entire tournament, won two games by a single goal and had a tie en route reaching the best eight. Szeged (HUN) joined them, recovering from a 12-11 loss to Mornar and gaining two big wins which sent them through. In the meantime, the happy days were over for Naples in this season: last April two sides representing the city clashed in the final (that time Posillipo, beating Acquachiara) – now Acquachiara and Canottieri failed to reach the quarters.
This means that Kazan, Kirishi, Mornar and Szeged await the draw where they will be paired with the four respective losers of the third qualification round of the Champions League: Brescia (ITA), Hannover (GER), Marseille (FRA) and Oradea (ROU).
Euro Cup, Qualification Round II
Group A: 1. Sintez Kazan (RUS) 7, 2. Kinef Surgutneftegas Kirishi (RUS) 5, 3. FTC Budapest (HUN) 4, 4. Carpisa Yamamay Acquachiara (ITA) 0
Group B (Split): 1. Mornar Brodospas Split (CRO) 7, 2. Diapolo-Szeged (HUN) 6, 3. Canottieri Napoli (ITA) 2, 4. Jadran Split (CRO) 1
