On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the 2026/27 Champions League Men group stage opened with high drama as VK Jadran Split secured an upset 18-17 shootout victory over arch-rivals HAVK Mladost in Zagreb. Despite Mladost dominating the domestic scene just five days prior in the Croatian Super Cup, Jadran engineered a resilient comeback to claim two crucial points in Group C.
The Croatian Derby Swing in Zagreb
Just five days prior, Mladost had outclassed Jadran with an 18-10 thrashing in the Croatian Super Cup final. They continued in the same vein early on Wednesday, building on a summer of domestic dominance. But the Split side steadily chipped away at the deficit, forcing a dramatic conclusion after regulation ended level.
Jadran took the lead three times in the opening period, only for Mladost to answer on each occasion. Luka Bukic delivered a fine action goal 21 seconds before the first interval to keep the hosts level. The tactical chess match continued through the middle quarters, with neither side able to establish a multi-goal cushion until deep into the second half.
A centre-shot by Lukas Seman and a quick steal leading to a counter-goal by Ivan Zovic briefly pushed Jadran ahead 7-6. Yet Marko Radulovic responded instantly for Mladost to restore parity at the half-time whistle. The pattern persisted into the third period before Jadran’s defensive adjustments began to disrupt Mladost’s extra-man execution.
Pozaric Scores Late to Force a Shootout
Mladost found themselves in trouble early in the fourth quarter when Mislav Curkovic fired from the perimeter to give Jadran a two-goal cushion for the first time. The visitors even successfully killed a subsequent man-down possession. However, Mladost fought back through Ante Vukicevic and Ivan Nagaev to level the score at 12-12.
Bukic netted his fifth goal with 1:27 remaining to put Mladost up 14-13, placing the hosts one defensive stop away from victory. But Jadran executed a brilliant 7-on-6 passing sequence that freed Roko Pozaric on the right wing. Pozaric found the net with just eight seconds left on the clock, forcing the match into penalties.
In the ensuing shootout, Pozaric held his nerve once more from the spot while Vukicevic hit the bar. The 18-17 final score handed Jadran a hard-earned victory over their domestic rivals.
| Fixture | Regular Time | Shootout | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAVK Mladost vs. VK Jadran Split | 17-17 | 3-4 (17-18) | Group C |
| Zodiac CNAB vs. VK Novi Beograd | 15-12 | N/A | Group C |
| FTC Telekom Waterpolo vs. CSA Steaua Bucharest | 23-7 | N/A | Group D |
| CN Marseille vs. Panathinaikos AC | 12-11 | N/A | Group D |
Barceloneta Overcomes Early Shock Against Novi Beograd
In the same group, title-holders Zodiac CNAB staged a remarkable comeback against VK Novi Beograd to win 15-12.
The defending champions turned a 6-7 deficit into an 11-8 advantage by the end of the third period. Francesco di Fulvio added two late goals in the fourth to seal the opening-night victory.
Fradi and Marseille Secure Opening-Day Wins
Over in Group D, FTC Telekom Waterpolo delivered a commanding 23-7 power demonstration against CSA Steaua Bucharest. After a tied 2-2 opening, the Hungarian side unleashed a relentless 5-0 run. They registered 49 total shots while every single FTC field player found the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, CN Marseille fended off a fierce challenge from Champions League rookies Panathinaikos AC in a 12-11 thriller. Veteran leftie Ugo Crousillat and Thomas Vernoux provided crucial scoring output.
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