Malta registered their first victory at the European Water Polo Championship finals after edging Israel 15–14 in a pulsating encounter in Belgrade.

The Maltese appeared to be in control for large stretches of the match, even opening up a three-goal advantage during the third session. However, Israel mounted a spirited comeback and briefly turned the game on its head in the final quarter, moving one goal ahead and placing Malta under intense pressure.

When the situation looked most precarious, Ivan Nagaev once again delivered for Malta, netting his sixth goal of the match to restore parity. Moments later, Nikolai Zammit struck decisively to send the Maltese bench into celebration, sealing a dramatic win that keeps Malta firmly in contention for a 13th-place finish.

Malta will return to the pool on Saturday for another crucial encounter against Slovakia, in what is shaping up to be another must-win fixture.

The opening session was evenly contested, with both sides showcasing their attacking intent but struggling defensively. Israel struck first and held the lead on three occasions, yet Malta responded each time through Jayden Cutajar, Stevie Camilleri, and Benjamin Cachia to keep the score level at 3–3. Nikolai Zammit then put Malta ahead for the first time, but goals from Ori Buzaglo and Amir Shafrir swung the momentum back Israel’s way. A Camilleri penalty ensured the quarter ended locked at 5–5.

Malta came out strongly in the second session, with a quick counter allowing Nagaev to make it 6–5. Vlad Beglin equalised, but Nagaev replied immediately with a six-metre effort before adding another with a deft lob to give Malta an 8–6 cushion. Israel struggled to break down Malta’s organised defence, and Camilleri extended the lead further with a powerful drive. Yoav Rendler reduced the deficit late on, leaving Malta 9–7 ahead at the interval.

The third session saw Camilleri convert another penalty to stretch the lead to 10–7, with Buzaglo responding for Israel. Malta remained composed at the back and struck again on the counter through Nagaev to go 11–8 up. Israel refused to relent, with Shafrir and Or Schlein closing the gap to a single goal. Nagaev made it 12–10, but Gil Gvishi’s late strike kept Israel within touching distance heading into the final quarter.

The closing session delivered high drama. Igo Goldschmidt equalised early on, before Camilleri restored Malta’s advantage. Israel then surged ahead thanks to two quick goals from Ronen Gros, leaving Malta chasing the game with under four minutes remaining. Nagaev responded in style with a sublime lob to level matters once more, while a crucial save from Nicky Grixti denied Itai Roth at the other end.

Malta sensed their moment and pushed forward, with Jake Bonavia providing the assist for Nikolai Zammit, who finished calmly to secure a memorable 15–14 victory — Malta’s first at the tournament and a significant step toward their 13th-place objective.