Recco are aiming to pass another historical milestone. Besides their 11 Champions League titles, the Italians also hold the record for most Super Cup triumphs, eight, and another win on Friday night in Chiavari, Italy, will make them the first club with a three-peat in the competition. Standing in their way are Euro Cup winners Vasas, who are chasing their first-ever victory after losing five finals.
Numbers are on the Champions League victors’ side, as ever since the LEN Super Cup returned – it was not held between 1997 and 2001 – the best teams of the continent have beaten the second-tier cup’s winners 19 times in 20 finals. However, before the break, the contest was more even, with 10 wins each.
Recco have all kind of records – the Italian giants top the all-time list in the Champions League with 11 trophies and last year they also lifted their eighth Super Cup while smashing Spain’s Sabadell 16-8. Hungary’s Ferencvaros are second with four titles and were the only team, back in 2018, which managed to break the Champions League winners’ run in Super Cup finals. Recco eliminated them in the quarters of the Final Eight last May.
After losing their first Super Cup final back in 1984, to POSK Split, Recco won the next eight, with the last two being both lopsided contests, against Szolnok in 2021 (15-4) and Sabadell in 2022 (16-8).
While those two triumphs came in pools belonging to their respective rivals, Recco are the hosts this time. Since they barely lose at home, they are well set to pass another milestone and become the first team in history to win three Super Cup titles in a row.
Three sides have managed to claim back-to-back victories so far – Germany’s Spandau in 1986-1987, then Recco in 2008-2008, Ferencvaros in 2018-2019, and Recco already landed the last two.
On the other hand, Vasas have had no luck with the Super Cup so far. The Hungarians, once the rulers of Europe, lost all five finals they made – in 1980, 1985, 1986, 1995 and 2002 (despite some websites stating a win in 1985, Vasas infact lost the final to Dynamo Moscow 15-9 in Barcelona).
History is therefore on the side of Recco, and their recent performances suggest the trophy will be staying in Italy. But Vasas are capable of forcing a close match, their season is getting stronger, and currently are the only team in the Euro Cup group stage with three wins from three.
The final is also a fine clash between two young coaches, who both enjoyed outstanding playing careers – Recco is led by Sandro Sukno, Olympic champion with Croatia in 2012, while at Vasas, Slobodan Nikic is in charge, Olympic gold medallist with Serbia in 2016.
The start time is 20.45 (CET).
Due to unforeseen technical issues, there will be no live stream coverage of the LEN Men’s Super Cup in Chiavari, Italy.
Fans of water polo will be able to watch the full match between Pro Recco and A-Hid VasasPlaket as soon as it’s available after the event on the European Aquatics YouTube channel.
European Aquatics apologises for any inconvenience.
