PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź and Tent Obrenovac collide for maiden quarter-finals berth

It is difficult to pick a favourite between PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź and Tent Obrenovac, as both sides are gearing up for a fiery doubleheader, which will send one into the quarter-finals, where they are due to face reigning champions A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano, in the biggest challenge for any side this season in the European premium competition.

This is the first time a team from Serbia and a club from Poland face each other in the knockout stages of the CEV Champions League Women, underlining just how important is this clash for both sides, as PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź had four wins in the 4th round, while Tent Obrenovac won three and lost three matches on their way to the play-offs.

The first leg of the doubleheader will be played in Serbia, on Tent’s home court, with the debutants hoping to provide an exciting challenge for the Polish side, in a battle between two sides which have started their season in the qualifying round of the European premium competition, making their way to the play-offs with some emphatic performances.

On one hand, Tent have exceeded expectations, as debutants, securing three wins in three matches, two of which came on their home court, against SSC Palmberg Schwerin and against French champions Levallois Paris Saint Cloud, 3:0 and 3:1 respectively.

Provided the Serbian side secures a place in the quarter-finals, they will be only the second club from the country to reach this phase, after Jedinstvo Uzice, 22 seasons ago. But do they have the firepower to challenge an experienced side as PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź?

Sure, Tent have some interesting firepower, with American opposite Malina Terrell being the eighth best scorer in the competition, with 90 points. She is just behind Łódź’s Paulina Damske in the top scorer standings, as Damaske had a fantastic season so far, scoring 93 points.

She is also in the top-4 for kill blocks, with 16, being followed by teammate Saša Planinšec, who had 15 kill blocks this season, providing Łódź with plenty of firewpower, as they only conceded two losses in the 4th round, both coming against pool winners Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul.

With four wins and only five sets dropped against their other opponents - Vasas Óbuda Budapest and Neptunes Nantes - PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź shape up to be a tough side to match up against, especially as they have already secured their best finish in six seasons in the European premium competition, making it out of the pools for the first time.

“This is a young and unpredictable team that can play good volleyball, which they showed in the group stage of the Champions League, winning a set against Eczacibasi Istanbul. They will definitely play their best in their home hall. Several of these young girls are already in the squad and they certainly present a high level. It's going to be a tough test for us,” said Łódź’s Jelena Blagojevic.