ZV De Zaan began the Champions League group stage with a 17-8 win over Budapest club UVSE in Alphen aan den Rijn. The match was played there because ZV De Zaan's home pool in Zaandam does not meet the requirements for European competition.

ZV De Zaan led 8-3 at half-time and remained in control after the break. The result put the team level at the top of its group with Spanish side Mataró after the opening round.