Thrills, goals & comebacks mark day 3 in Zagreb

Day 3 of the Championship brought drama, goals, and emotion across all four sports halls in Zagreb. With teams pushing for a place in the knockout stages, every minute counted.

Sports Hall Pešćenica

Women’s Tournament

• Nantes University vs University of Amsterdam (17–0)
  In this match, the team of Nantes University completely dominated the field. From the opening whistle, the French side displayed outstanding teamwork, high pressing, and efficient finishing. The game was played almost entirely on one side of the pitch, with Amsterdam struggling to exit their own half or create any scoring opportunities. By halftime, Nantes had already piled on a significant lead. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Nantes continuing to apply relentless pressure. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Amsterdam players kept fighting until the final whistle. This 17–0 win marked a record-breaking score in the tournament so far.
  
  
• University of Barcelona vs University of Split (8–0)
  Barcelona began the match with high tempo and precision, taking a quick 3–0 lead. In response, Split implemented the flying goalkeeper tactic to create more offensive options. The Spanish team, however, adjusted swiftly by also using the same strategy, maintaining their composure under pressure. While the match saw brief periods of balance, Barcelona’s organized defense and efficient attack allowed them to maintain control. Their teamwork and smart rotations on the ball led to five more goals in the second half, sealing a convincing 8–0 victory.

Men’s Tournament

• University of Valencia vs Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (6–1)
  University of Valencia sealed their place in the knockout round after a professional performance. Pablo García Escuder and Raúl Moncho Mora led the charge, both scoring twice in a dominant first half, which ended 5–0. Valencia controlled the pace and possession, pressing high and recovering quickly. In the second half, Pablo Mezquida added a sixth for Valencia in the 24th minute. Finland’s Lappeenranta-Lahti managed to pull one back through Tommi Lokki after a well-worked team move, but the Spanish side's early dominance had already sealed the result.
  
  
• University of Paris-Saclay vs. University of Debrecen (3–1)
  After a difficult loss the previous day, Paris-Saclay responded with resilience and discipline. The first half saw few clear chances as fouls and yellow cards disrupted the rhythm. Both teams had spells of possession but couldn’t beat the opposing goalkeepers. Four minutes into the second half, a Debrecen own goal gave Paris-Saclay the lead. Ten minutes later, Inza Koné added a second for the French side. Debrecen fought back and scored with 34 seconds remaining, but just moments later, Thomas Marques initiated a swift counterattack, setting up Valentin Boutin to make it 3–1. A much-needed win for Paris-Saclay, keeping Group B wide open.

Sports Hall Dražen Petrović

Women’s Tournament

• Rey Juan Carlos University vs Tampere University (2–2)
  The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was Tampere who took a 1–0 lead into halftime. Rey Juan Carlos responded well in the second half, showing urgency and tactical adjustments. The Spanish team equalized and then took the lead, only for Tampere to fight back and secure a draw. Both teams had their moments, and a 2–2 result was a fair reflection of the balance on the pitch.
  
  
• University of Zagreb vs University of Bergen (13–0)
  Roared on by a home crowd, Zagreb delivered a commanding performance. Six goals in the first half set the tone as the hosts showcased quick transitions, sharp finishing, and solid defending. Bergen had no answer to the relentless pace and press. The second half was no different, with Zagreb adding seven more goals to complete a 13–0 win, one of the largest margins of the tournament so far.

Men’s Tournament

• University of Zagreb vs University of Warsaw (5–2)
  The final match at Cibona saw the home team grind out a tough but deserved win. A closely fought first half ended 2–0 in favor of Zagreb, with both sides showing tactical awareness. Warsaw leveled the game early in the second half, but Zagreb found another gear, taking control in the final minutes. Their strong defense and quick counters proved too much, finishing the match 5–2.
  
  
• University of Split vs Azerbaijan Sports Academy (2–6)
  Split had a nervy start and were punished early, conceding in the third minute. The Azerbaijan Sports Academy maintained pressure and controlled the match with fluid combinations and precise shooting. By halftime it was 3–0. Though Split scored twice after the break, ASA added three more goals to round out a solid 6–2 victory.

Sports Hall Trešnjevka

Women’s Tournament

• National Pedagogical Dragomanov University vs University of Münster (2–0)
  The Ukrainian side delivered a focused and disciplined performance. The match was evenly contested early on, but Dragomanov made the most of their chances and held firm defensively. Their two goals came through well-worked team moves and they closed out the game efficiently.

Men’s Tournament

• Norwegian University of Science and Technology vs University of Castilla-La Mancha (0–0)
  A high-energy game filled with chances but no goals. Both teams created openings and kept the crowd engaged with fast transitions and brave defending. Despite the goalless scoreline, it was an intense and entertaining clash.
  
  
• Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France vs University of Warwick (6–3)
  An even first half saw both teams score twice. After the break, the French side took control, applying consistent pressure and finding gaps in Warwick’s defense. Four second-half goals sealed a 6–3 win in an exciting finale to the day at Trešnjevka.

Sports Hall Sutinska Vrela

Women’s Tournament

• WSG Bydgoszcz vs University of Jyvaskyla (6–1)
  WSG took the lead early via Marie Suwada and never looked back. After Jyväskylä equalized at the start of the second half, the Polish side responded with intensity, scoring five more to secure a commanding win.
  
  
• University of Minho vs University of Burgundy (5–2)
  An exciting match saw Minho take a 3–1 lead into halftime after a lively first half filled with goals and yellow cards. Burgundy fought back to 3–2 but Minho added two late goals to secure the win in an entertaining contest.

Men’s Tournament

• St Mary’s University vs University of Mainz (1–1)
  Oscar Llopis scored a brilliant opener for St Mary’s in the first half. Mainz came out stronger in the second, and their pressure paid off with a late equalizer. A fair result in a tense match.
  
  
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne vs University of Pécs (6–6)
  One of the day’s most dramatic matches. Lausanne led 6–2 late in the game, but Pécs mounted an unbelievable comeback, scoring four times in the final five minutes. A six-goal thriller that ended with both teams sharing the points.

Check out all the results HERE and all the important links (such as pictures, livestream and other) HERE.