Text: Emma Evans.
Photos: ONCE Catalunya.
The second Qualification Stage of the 2026 EGCA Champions League took place in Barcelona, Spain, hosted by ONCE Catalunya (Spain). Eight clubs from across Europe competed across three days of high-intensity club competition, with three qualification places for the Final Stage in Berlin at stake, raising the stakes across every match.
EGCA would like to extend sincere thanks to ONCE Catalunya and the entire organising team for delivering an exceptionally well-run tournament. The professionalism of the venue, the smooth delivery of matches, and the dedication of volunteers ensured the event ran seamlessly throughout. The love and passion for goalball were evident everywhere, and the hosts were incredibly welcoming to players, officials and supporters alike.
EGCA also extends its gratitude to the event sponsors and partners whose support continues to make Champions League competition possible at this level. Their contribution plays a vital role in the growth and development of European club goalball.
The atmosphere created by friends, families and local supporters gave the event something truly special, and EGCA hopes ONCE Catalunya will consider hosting again in the future.
FRIDAY – GROUP STAGE
GROUP A – HOSTS IGNITE, RGC MAKE A STATEMENT
[Photo Description: Félix Vargas of the hosts Catalunya, wearing number 4, captured mid‑rotation against the backdrop of the goal frame.]
Group A opened on Friday morning with hosts ONCE Catalunya kicking off their campaign against reigning Finnish league champions Näpäjä. It was a statement start. Félix Vargas and Genís Quiroga struck four goals each, Sergi Baron added two, and by half time the hosts were already 9–0 ahead before closing out a commanding 10–0 victory.
Catalunya followed that with a convincing 9–4 win over Ha. Vi. 2 Bruxelles (Belgium), building belief and momentum with the crowd firmly behind them. However, their final group game saw them come up against an on-form RGC Hansa Rostock (Germany), who silenced the home support with a strong 10–3 victory to secure top spot.
RGC had opened their campaign with a convincing 14–7 win over Bruxelles. Led by John Turloff, who delivered an extraordinary 12 goals in that match alone, they set the tone early. The seasoned campaigner and “Game Changer”, Reno Tiede contributed two goals, reinforcing Rostock’s control. While Turloff was rested in their second match against Näpäjä, young superstar Kilian Kollrep stepped up and smashed in six goals, highlighting the strength and depth within this German squad. RGC topped the group looking composed, confident and dangerous.
For Bruxelles, last season’s Champions League winners, the group stage proved challenging. This was a very different-looking squad from the one that lifted the trophy, with several changes to personnel. Their goal machine, Klison Mapreni, was managing injury and unable to play, instead supporting from the bench in a coaching capacity. They were clearly missing some of their usual shooting power and struggled to secure a win in the group stage, ultimately finishing bottom of Group A. Despite that, their positive and upbeat energy remained evident throughout.
Näpäjä were also dealing with injuries but never dropped their heads. They continued to compete hard in every match, showing resilience and pride despite difficult results. Their resilience never wavered, even when results went against them.
Final Group A standings:
- RGC Hansa Rostock
- ONCE Catalunya
- Ha. Vi. 2 Bruxelles
- Näpäjä
GROUP B – NARROW MARGINS AND LEADERSHIP MOMENTS
[Photo Description: Lois Turner from Northern Allstars diving to defend a ball with her body lifting off the court.]
Group B delivered some of the most tightly contested matches of the tournament.
Aarhus Goalball (Denmark) emerged as group winners, but they did so the hard way, winning all three matches by a single goal. Captain Caspar Gregersen stepped up in the moments that mattered most, including an incredible seven-goal performance in their 8–7 victory over tournament favourites BRUK-BET Termalica Krakow (Poland). It was an early upset that signalled Aarhus’ intent.
Sigurd Lund added three goals against Northern Allstars (Great Britain), a team he has faced many times in the UK Super League, reinforcing Aarhus’ composure under pressure.
Krakow responded emphatically in their second game, defeating Northern Allstars 15–9, with Marcin Czerwiński in devastating form, scoring an extraordinary 13 goals in that game alone. Their firepower and confidence ensured they finished second in the group and remained one of the tournament favourites.
Northern Allstars competed fiercely throughout the group stage. They opened with a 6–5 victory over Sporting CP (Portugal), despite Hadley Sacramento smashing in four powerful goals with smooth, explosive shots. Lois Turner, the only female athlete in the competition, was outstanding in defence at centre and even contributed two goals across the weekend. Her performance drew admiration from across the venue.
Sporting CP were determined, positive and dedicated throughout. Sacramento led their scoring, ably supported by Luis Miguel and Tomás Delfim. Defensive lapses at key moments proved costly, but their team spirit and work ethic were clear.
Final Group B standings:
- Aarhus Goalball
- BRUK-BET Termalica Krakow
- Northern Allstars
- Sporting CP
SATURDAY – QUARTERFINALS AND PLACEMENT DRAMA
[Photo Description: Termalica Krakow players in purple shirts huddle tightly at centre court after their quarter-final win]
RGC Hansa Rostock faced Sporting CP in Quarterfinal 1 and appeared largely untroubled, progressing with authority and winning 11-4.
Quarterfinal 2 saw Termalica Krakow defeat Näpäjä, with Czerwiński sending six goals past the Finnish side. Despite dealing with injury, Joni Ylönen stepped up for Näpäjä, scoring four in response, but Krakow’s firepower proved decisive.
Quarterfinal 3 delivered a battle of big shooters between ONCE Catalunya and Northern Allstars. Félix Vargas struck seven goals, while Caleb Nenevi responded with six. In a dramatic contest fuelled by home support, Catalunya edged the encounter and advanced to the semifinals.
Quarterfinal 4 saw Aarhus take control against Bruxelles with a 4–1 half-time lead before extending their advantage. With the result secure, they demonstrated their depth, bringing on new signing Sem De Jong, who scored, and 16-year-old Valdemar Schmidt-Christensen, who netted his first ever EGCA goal. The tall, high-potential youngster is clearly one to watch for the future.
While four teams pushed toward Berlin, the battle for final positions proved equally intense.
In the 5th–8th classification matches, drama unfolded.
Sporting CP bounced back strongly, scoring 16 goals against Näpäjä to progress to Sunday’s 5th–6th playoff.
The match between Bruxelles and Northern Allstars went to full time, then golden goal extra time, and still no goal separated the teams. It went to extra throws – a rare occurrence at Champions League level. The buzz in the stadium was electric, every throw carrying enormous weight. Bruxelles eventually prevailed 10–9 after extra throws in one of the most dramatic moments of the weekend.
SATURDAY SEMINFINALS – BERLIN DREAMS DECIDED
The semifinals would determine which two teams would not only reach the final but also secure automatic qualification for the Champions League Final Stage in Berlin.
In the first semifinal, BRUK-BET Termalica Krakow faced RGC Hansa Rostock in a clash between two of Europe’s most powerful attacking sides. The first half was tight and evenly matched, ending 4–4 as both teams traded goals in a high-level tactical battle. After the break, Krakow gradually found the edge. Marcin Czerwiński once again led the scoring, supported by his teammates as the Polish side capitalised on key moments in attack. Despite continued pressure and scoring from Rostock, Krakow held firm and closed out an 8–6 victory to book their place in the final.
The second semifinal saw hosts ONCE Catalunya face Aarhus Goalball, with the home crowd creating an intense atmosphere. Catalunya pushed hard early and the match remained competitive throughout, but Aarhus’ discipline and structure again proved decisive. The Danish side led 4–2 at half time and managed the second half with composure. Captain Caspar Gregersen once again stepped up with crucial goals, while Mads Laursen and Mathias Jensen provided strong support at both ends of the court. Aarhus secured an 8–5 win, confirming their place in the final and ensuring they would become the first Danish club to qualify for the Champions League Final Stage.
For ONCE Catalunya, the defeat ended their hopes of automatic qualification, but with the bronze medal match still to come they retained one final opportunity to secure a place in Berlin.
SUNDAY – HEARTACHE, STATEMENTS AND CHAMPIONS
[Photo Description: Aarhus on stage with the trophy raised in the air celebrating their first-place finish]
Northern Allstars defeated Näpäjä 3–1 in the 7th–8th playoff, an unfortunate own goal giving Allstars the edge.
Sporting CP secured fifth place with a hotly contested 12–9 win over Bruxelles.
The bronze medal match saw RGC Hansa Rostock return to court with a clear message. They may have lost their semifinal, but they remain real contenders for Berlin. John Turloff delivered seven goals, Philip Schrader added two, and Fabian Diehm contributed two from centre. Rostock led 8–1 at half time and completed an 11–1 mercy win early in the second half. Only Genís Quiroga was able to respond for the hosts. For the home crowd, the final whistle marked the end of a remarkable journey.
For ONCE Catalunya, finishing fourth was heartbreaking. Backed all weekend by friends and family, and with Félix Vargas managing injury through the latter stages, missing out on Berlin qualification was painful. Yet they handled the defeat with dignity and grace. There is little doubt that this experience will fuel them, and that they will return next season with renewed determination to secure their place in the Finals.
The gold medal match was a repeat of the pool encounter between Aarhus and Krakow. Caspar Gregersen once again led from the front. Mads Laursen showed his development into a serious wing threat, scoring twice while defending superbly despite being targeted. Alongside him, Mathias Jensen anchored the defence and added a late goal. Aarhus claimed the Barcelona Qualification Stage title with authority, confirming their status as one of Europe’s most disciplined club sides.
Final ranking:
- Aarhus Goalball (Denmark)
- BRUK-BET Termalica Krakow (Poland)
- RGC Hansa Rostock (Germany)
- ONCE Catalunya (Spain)
- Sporting CP (Portugal)
- Ha. Vi. 2 Bruxelles (Belgium)
- Northern Allstars (Great Britain)
- Näpäjä (Finland)
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES
[Photo Description: John Turloff on stage with event sponsors and partners raising his MVP trophy above his head]
Marcin Czerwiński (Termalica Krakow, Poland) once again finished as top scorer of an EGCA Champions League stage, amassing an extraordinary 45 goals. His scoring consistency and ability to deliver under pressure continue to place him among Europe’s most formidable attacking players. Czerwiński’s 45-goal haul once again underlined his dominance at this level.
John Turloff (RGC Hansa Rostock, Germany) was voted Most Valuable Player. A true behemoth for RGC, his leadership, scoring dominance and presence on court shaped the tournament from start to finish. His influence extended beyond scoring, anchoring RGC’s leadership throughout the tournament.