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In a thrilling Final Four tournament at Valletta’s National Pool (31 May–1 June 2025), defending champions Ferencvárosi TC (FTC-Telekom) held off Serbia’s Novi Beograd 13–11 in the championship match to secure their third European Champions League title. After a tight first half (FTC led only 5–5), Ferencváros surged in the third quarter – ripping off a decisive 4–0 run – to take a 10–7 lead that Novi Beograd never overcame. FTC had earned its spot in the final by beating France’s CN Marseille 14–11 in the semifinals, while Novi advanced past Spain’s Barceloneta on penalties after a 10–10 draw. In the title game, the teams traded goals early (3–3 in Q1, 2–2 in Q2), but Ferencváros’ third-quarter blitz turned the tide. The match concluded with a final period even at 3–3, but FTC’s earlier burst proved insurmountable as they held on for the two-goal win. The victory made Ferencváros the first Hungarian club ever to defend the Champions League crown, a feat no other Hungarian side has achieved. For Novi Beograd it was a third successive finals defeat (after losses to Recco in 2022 and 2023).
Semifinal: FTC vs CN Marseille
Ferencváros’ path to the title began with a hard-fought semifinal on 30 May. Taking on CN Marseille, FTC built a lead but saw it cut away late. Marseille came back to tie the game 10–10, forcing a tense finish. Veteran goalkeeper Soma Vogel kept the defense steady, later recalling: “I wasn’t worried at 10–10 because I felt that my teammates stayed calm.” This composure proved key as Ferencváros scored down the stretch to prevail 14–11. Head coach Balázs Nyéki noted that in such knockout matches “no team dominates all the way… usually what decides is which team stays calmer in the end” – a mental edge his side clearly demonstrated.
Championship Final: FTC 13–11 Novi Beograd
The 1 June final was evenly contested early. Both teams traded goals in the first half (3–3 and 2–2 by quarter). The game turned in Q3 when Ferencváros unleashed a 5–3 scoring run (including a pivotal 4–0 spurt) to flip a 6–7 deficit into a 10–7 lead. In the closing quarter the teams matched each other (3–3), leaving the final score at 13–11. Key tactical highlights included FTC’s stifling defense on Novi’s set plays and two successful power-play executions in the third quarter, which helped break the game open. Ferencváros coach Nyéki admitted afterward that “it wasn’t a very high-level match, but I’m glad we won.” – a reflection of the defensive battle and physical grind it became.
Key Performers
FTC’s victory was powered by Krisztián Manhercz, the team captain, who torched the net with 6 goals (the joint-high of the match). Manhercz’s barrage included long-range bombs and several man-up conversions, and he was later named Finals MVP. Opposing him was Serbian center Nikola Lukic, who matched him with 6 goals for Novi, proving a handful for the Ferencváros defense. Supporting Manhercz, wingman Gergő Fekete added two goals, while a host of veteran players chipped in: Italy’s Edoardo Di Somma, Greece’s Stylianos Argyropoulos, Szilárd Jansik and Marton Vámos each scored once. On defense, goalkeeper Soma Vogel (FTC) made several timely saves in the final period to preserve the lead. For Novi, in addition to Lukic’s heroics, Stefan Martinović scored twice and Greek defenders Dimitrios Skoumpakis, Milan Perković and Angelos Vlachopoulos each found the net once. Across the Final Four, Manhercz was the leading scorer, but the depth of Ferencváros’ roster (featuring several former Olympians) was on display throughout the tournament.
Reactions and Reflections
After the win, coach Nyéki Balázs praised his squad’s resilience. “We didn’t find our rhythm [in the final], but as happens in big matches you just have to wear the opponent down at the end,” he said. “It wasn’t a very good match… but I’m glad we won”. He also credited the team’s collective effort, warning “you mustn’t fall in love with one player” and insisting on healthy rotation – though he could not hide pride in Manhercz, who he called “Hungarian water polo’s best player”. Star man Manhercz himself was quick to emphasize teamwork: “In the end it wasn’t the superstars who decided, but as a team we beat the rival – everyone played their part,” he noted, citing the crucial blocks, steals and goals that sealed the victory. Ferencváros’ players promptly celebrated in the pool as the final horn blew – a moment of vindication and history, as they became the first Hungarian club to defend the Champions League title.
Final Score: Ferencváros (Hungary) 13, Novi Beograd (Serbia) 11 (period scores: 3–3, 2–2, 5–3, 3–3).
Sources: Official match reports and press coverage of the 2025 LEN Champions League Final Four.
