#CLVolleyM returns with must-watch matches in Ankara and Warsaw

The #CLVolleyM returns this week with two major attractions – the matchup featuring Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA and four-time winners of the competition TRENTINO Itas in Pool A, and another ‘blockbuster’ coming up in the Polish capital where PGE Projekt WARSZAWA will be trying to bounce back from their 2-3 loss at the hands of MONTPELLIER HSC VB in the second leg when they host 2002 and 2019 #CLVolleyM winners Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA of Italy. It is another week filled with thrilling action as the third leg will play a major role in shaping the standings in each pool. Stay tuned for Volleyball of the finest level! 

Pool A 

Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA (TUR) vs. TRENTINO Itas (ITA) 

The leadership in Pool A will be at stake in Türkiye’s capital city as these teams have the same record of two wins in as many matches this far. Even though Ziraat and TRENTINO meet for the first time in the #CLVolleyM, they crossed their paths in the semis of last year’s CEV Cup – when Ziraat lost 2-3 in Trento after dissipating a 2-0 lead before emerging victorious at home (3-1) to progress to the finals where they eventually seized the crown. TRENTINO will have to work hard to maintain their immaculate record against Turkish teams in the #CLVolleyM which stands at nine wins and no losses at all. On the other hand, Ziraat are yet to record a single victory against Italian opposition in this elite competition after losing twice to Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA in the 2022/2023 group phase. Nimir Abdel-Aziz, Ziraat’s scoring machine, will play a former team of his – since he starred for TRENTINO in 2020/2021, reaching the Super Final of the #CLVolleyM. That season, Nimir was the top scorer of the competition with a massive personal tally of 209 points. 

Marcelo Mendez, head coach of TRENTINO Itas: “This is an important match in the race for top spot in the pool, and we must approach it as such. Ziraat is a team with a deep, highly technical and physical squad, and it's no coincidence that they are leading one of Europe's most competitive leagues, the Turkish league. Serving and attack will be the key factors that will determine the match. Therefore, we face a very difficult task, given their attacking potential, but we have the means to make our mark until the end, knowing full well that getting a positive result here too could give us a great boost ahead of our upcoming matches, both in the national league and the Champions League.”

ACH Volley LJUBLJANA (SLO) vs. TOURS VB (FRA) 

A key match for these two teams since they are yet to record their first victory in the competition this season. ACH Volley will be trying to break their negative streak as they have lost all six of their matches with TOURS VB thus far – all in the group phase of the #CLVolleyM. On the other hand, TOURS VB will be trying to extend their most impressive record with any opponent in the competition. Their most recent matches came in the 2023/2024 season, when TOURS VB won 3-1 in Ljubljana and subsequently secured a 3-0 home victory. Even though they are yet to edge TOURS VB, ACH Volley have six victories to their name against French opposition compared to 10 losses. However, in recent times their record has been fairly negative – with only one victory in their last 10 such matches. This will provide additional motivation for the ‘Orange Dragons’ as they play their second match in front of a home crowd at Tivoli Hall. 

TOURS VB arrive in Ljubljana led by Slovenian national team member and rising star Nik Mujanović, who is currently the group’s top scorer with 49 points. The 21-year-old opposite is also a key figure behind their leading position in the French league. In addition to Mujanović, the club from the Loire Valley boasts several notable names, with Željko Čorić (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Leandro dos Santos, Guilherme Voss (both from Brazil), Kristers Dārzdaņs (Latvia), Isaac Heslinga (Canada) and Niko Suihkonen (Finland) expected to pose the greatest threat in Tivoli.

The Orange Dragons are looking forward to their second consecutive home match in the Champions League, the visit of national teammate Mujanović, and above all - a packed Tivoli arena that could help them secure their first points of the season among Europe’s elite. The team is fully aware that at least third place in the group, which would ensure continuation in European competition, remains a realistic and attainable goal. Head coach Igor Kolaković has all players available who recently defeated Panvita Pomgrad 3-1 in the domestic league. In that match, the top scorers for ACH Volley were Luka Marovt (15), Jošt Kržič (11), Janž Janez Kržič, Klemen Šen and Tonček Štern (10 each), and captain Tine Urnaut (7), who is successfully returning to action after injury.

Igor Kolaković, head coach of ACH Volley: “We face the most important match of the group stage so far. If we want to keep realistic chances of progressing, only a win matters on Thursday. When we talk about TOURS VB, the French champions, we are talking about a very high-quality and demanding opponent who have already shown their level against Ziraat and Trentino. Our focus must be on ourselves, on improving the shortcomings in our game and I believe that with loud support from the stands, we can secure a victory on Thursday.”

Alen Pajenk, player of ACH Volley: “Thursday is our so-called D-day in the Champions League. It is time to show our best Volleyball against TOURS VB, stop their main weapons led by Nik Mujanović, and keep the win in Tivoli. The atmosphere within the team is excellent, and our focus is entirely on a match that will be one of the decisive ones in the group stage.” 

Pool B

Galatasaray HDI ISTANBUL (TUR) vs. Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN (POL) 

Pool B leaders and #CLVolleyM rookies Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN will face Galatasaray HDI ISTANBUL for the first time in an official match. Wilfredo Leon & Co. recently added another accolade to their slowly but surely growing collection by securing the Polish Cup title in Krakow to go with their national league and Challenge Cup triumphs from the past season. Before edging Knack ROESELARE earlier this season, Galatasaray HDI ISTANBUL had claimed their only win in the Champions League against a Polish side: 3-2 at home versus Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE in the 2013/2014 group phase. The Turkish team had lost the away match against the same opponent 0-3. Galatasaray are making only their second-ever appearance in this competition. 

Halkbank ANKARA (TUR) vs. Knack ROESELARE (BEL) 

Halkbank ANKARA and Knack ROESELARE played against each other in the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019 Champions League seasons. The Belgians won 3-1 and 3-0 in the 4th Round in 2016/2017. The Turkish side won both group phase games in 2018/2019 (3-2, 3-1). Stijn D’Hulst and current coach Matthijs Verhanneman played for Knack ROESELARE in 2016/2017. Verhanneman also featured for them in 2018/2019. The two teams did also lock horns in the 2013 edition of the CEV Cup. That season Halkbank ANKARA became the first Turkish men’s club to bring the CEV Cup trophy to Türkiye. They faced Knack ROESELARE in the Challenge Round and advanced to the semifinals by winning both matches without dropping a single set.

Knack ROESELARE (W8-L5) won their first eight Champions League matches against Turkish opposition, but they lost their last five such encounters (group phase matches against Halkbank ANKARA in 2018/2019 and versus Ziraat Bank ANKARA in 2023/2024 plus an away match with Galatasaray HDI earlier this season). Last year’s fourth-place finishers Halkbank ANKARA have a W4-L4 record against Belgian teams in the Champions League (all matches played in the group phase). Moreover, when Halkbank ANKARA won the CEV Cup in 2013, they defeated Knack ROESELARE in the Challenge Round that same season (3-0, 3-0).

After two very close defeats against Galatasaray HDI ISTANBUL (2-3) and Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN (2-3), Knack ROESELARE remains in the hunt for their first victory. The excellent match performances against Galatasaray and Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN provided two points, but in a competition where the standings are primarily based on winning matches, those two points mean little for now. The roster of Halkbank ANKARA includes some exceptional world stars with Yoandy Leal Hidalgo (BRA), Aleksander Sliwka (POL), Matey Kaziyski (BUL), and Tsvetan Sokolov (BUL).

Claudio Gewehr, assistant coach of Knack ROESELARE: “In the past two matches against Galatasaray HDI ISTANBUL and Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN, Knack ROESELARE have shown their qualities to compete at the highest Champions League level. It will be crucial to continue performing at the top of our level in the match against Halkbank ANKARA. The difference between the Belgian and Turkish leagues is huge. But perhaps the underdog position suits us? The key to the game will be to control their serves and avoid mistakes in our game.”

The Blue-and-Whites from Halkbank are aiming for a crucial victory, backed by the support of their home crowd. 

Matey Kaziyski, player of Halkbank: “Every match in the Champions League carries its own importance. Knack ROESELARE are a disciplined team who know how to stay in the game. That is why it will be very important for us to remain patient, maintain our organisation in serve-reception, and make the right decisions in attack. We will be playing at home and we want to keep control of the match with the support of our fans. We also know the important European matches our club played against Knack ROESELARE in the past; today our goal is to step onto the court with the same focus and get the best possible result from this match.”

Pool C 

Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA (ITA) vs. BERLIN Recycling Volleys (GER)

These teams have an immaculate record of two wins in as many matches this far – so first place in the group will be at stake when they lock horns on Wednesday evening in Perugia. They previously played each other in the quarterfinals of the 2022/2023 season – when PERUGIA recorded two wins (3-1, 3-2). Oleh Plotnytskyi (15 and 18 points) and Roberto Russo (10 and 14) were among the best scorers for the Italians in those matches against BERLIN Recycling Volleys.
BERLIN Recycling Volleys have a negative W4-L17 record against Italian teams in the Champions League, including losing the last six such fixtures in a row. On the other hand, Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA have won all four Champions League matches against German sides and the defending #CLVolleyM champions will be trying to add one more victory to their streak.

Wassim Ben Tara, player of Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA: “A good match of the highest level awaits us. We know that in Europe, the BR Volleys represent a strong team. We focus on our own game, as we always do, to go after this victory and move forward. I am happy with the results we are achieving at the moment and I hope we continue like this until the end because we have many more tough matches ahead of us."

The BR Volleys changed coaches a week ago. British coach Joel Banks was relieved of his duties, and his former assistants Alexandre Leal and Markus Steuerwald have taken over, with Brazilian Leal in the role of head coach. Under new leadership, the Berlin team won its first two games in the German Bundesliga, 3-1 against promoted SV WARNEMÜNDE and 3-1 against CEV Cup participant Helios Grizzlys GIESEN. The team from the German capital is currently struggling with injuries. Middle blockers Nehemiah Mote (chest muscle injury) and Jelle Bosma (knee surgery) have been out for some time. The BR Volleys are also missing their regular libero, Kyle Dagostino, for this away game due to an eye injury.

Alexandre Leal, head coach of BR Volleys: “We know how big this task is. It could hardly be more difficult. PERUGIA is a world-class team, packed with outstanding players. They have plenty of options and whoever they field, we can expect top-level competition. We can go into the game without pressure and will try to make the best of the situation. The guys should also enjoy playing against such an opponent.”

Ruben Schott, captain of the BR Volleys: “It would be nice, of course, to take something away from Italy. We would all be very happy about that. The challenge is obviously even more difficult away than at home. We have to be brave and hope that we have a good day from the service line. And, of course, keep our reception steady. We have to push ourselves to the limit. PERUGIA is undoubtedly a very tough opponent. At least that means we can play freely. The roles are reversed – we do not have the pressure we have in the Bundesliga in these games. For once, we have nothing to lose. Plus, it is a lot of fun to compete against opponents like this.” 

Guaguas LAS PALMAS (ESP) vs. VK Lvi PRAHA (CZE) 

Still vying for their first victory in Pool C, Juan Manuel Barrial’s VK Lvi PRAHA and Sergio Miguel Camarero’s Guaguas LAS PALMAS faced each other in the Playoff round of the 2023/2024 Champions League. The Spanish team won 3-0 at Gran Canaria, lost 1-3 in Czechia and progressed after the winning the Golden Set 15-8 in Prague. Argentinean outside hitter Nicolas Bruno scored 39 points for Guaguas LAS PALMAS in those games (18 and 21 respectively). . That season, Guaguas sensationally reached the quarterfinals after starting their campaign from the early rounds. Moreover, Guaguas LAS PALMAS had won 3-1 and lost 2-3 against Czechia’s Jihostroj ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE in the group phase of that 2023/2024 campaign, so their current record against Czech opposition stands at two wins and two losses. 

Pool D 

SVG LÜNEBURG (GER) vs. Aluron CMC Warta ZAWIERCIE (POL) 

Last season, Aluron CMC Warta ZAWIERCIE defeated SVG LÜNEBURG in the quarterfinals (3-0, 3-1) before securing a historic silver medal from the Final Four held in Lodz. Bartosz Kwolek scored 20 points for the Polish side in the 3-1 win. However, the current Pool D leaders from southern Poland lost their other two Champions League matches against German clubs: 1-3, 0-3 versus BERLIN Recycling Volleys in the 2022/2023 group phase. SVG LÜNEBURG have lost all seven Champions League matches against Polish teams including a 0-3 loss at the hands of Asseco Resovia less than two weeks ago. 

The respective head coaches Stefan Hübner and Michał Winiarski played together for Italy’s TRENTINO Volley in the 2006/2007 season. 

Stefan Hübner, head coach of SVG LÜNEBURG: “Matches against Polish teams are always a huge challenge. They have world-class players. Their physicality, hitting power, and consistency in serving are on a completely different level. We hope that we can grow as a team and that this will make us stronger going into the Bundesliga playoffs.” 

“When we are out of system, you can tell that our opponents have a different level of physicality. For example, you have to find different angles to hit the fingers. In such situations, it will be important for us to find the right balance and better solutions faster than we did in Rzeszow.” 

Joscha Kunstmann, player of SVG LÜNEBURG: “You know that you play Volleyball at a very high level – and then you go to another country and see that there is another level above that. This general consistency is totally impressive. But it also shows where we can still go. At first, it is a little intimidating, but I believe we can do it too. We know we do not have much to lose – and that is always good for a team because it often pushes you to go beyond your limits.”

Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW (POL) vs. Sporting CP LISBOA (POR) 

Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW have never faced a Portuguese opponent in the Champions League. However, there are some ‘indirect’ precedents, since Sporting CP LISBOA were eliminated by Poland’s Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN in the semis of last season’s Challenge Cup (lost 0-3, 0-3). Sporting CP LISBOA’s setter Sergey Grankin won the Final of the 2012 CEV Cup with Dinamo MOSCOW against Asseco Resovia. He played in both matches in the Final (3-2 wins at home and away). Resovia recently reached the final of the Polish Cup losing to Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN in Krakow to cement their leading role in the domestic arena.

João Coelho, head coach of Sporting CP: “It is an extremely difficult match, against a team that is a strong contender to advance to the next stage. Even so, we will present ourselves in the most dignified manner possible, fighting for every point. Asseco Resovia start as favourites; they are a team with a very different physical presence from ours, with a higher competitive rhythm and great strength in offensive actions. Their serve and attack are particularly effective. Despite this, we will do everything we can to achieve the best possible result and continue to enjoy a competition like this, while at the same time raising our level of play and our competitive standards. It will undoubtedly be an excellent opportunity for our team, in a ‘hostile’ environment, to push beyond its limits and continue building an ambitious project of dignified representation in Europe.” 

Kelton Tavares, player of Sporting CP: “We will be up against a very high-quality opponent, both in terms of the level they play at and the league they compete in. We will come out strong and motivated, because that is essential in this type of match. It is about approaching everything from the very start, fighting for every point and never considering the game lost. We want to bring back a different result. We know we will face a packed arena, as they have consistently shown. We are aware of the challenge ahead of us, but it is great to be able to play in such an atmosphere. On a personal level, it has been an incredible experience – something I believe any athlete aspires to and dreams of: playing in the Champions League. I have tried to make the most of it, to enjoy every moment, always give my best in matches, and do what I know how to do best.” 

The match carries major importance for Asseco Resovia, as it represents a crucial step in the battle for points that will shape the path toward qualification to the next round. In a competition where margins are narrow and every result can have a direct impact on the final standings, the encounter at Podpromie is set to play a significant role in the group’s balance.

The Portuguese side arrives in Rzeszów with a strong identity and a roster built on experience, having delivered convincing performances in domestic competition and showing its ability to compete at a high level on the European stage as well. Sporting CP also proved to be a challenging opponent in its recent clash with Aluron CMC Warta ZAWIERCIE, pushing the Polish side through tightly contested sets that highlighted their quality and resilience. Asseco Resovia will approach the match with focus and ambition, ready to embrace another European night at Hala Podpromie, where the energy from the stands once again becomes an essential part of the Champions League atmosphere.

Alfredo Martilotti, assistant coach of Asseco Resovia: “This home game is important for our ranking. Our goal is to avoid losing any more points so that we can compete with ZAWIERCIE for first place in the return match. Sporting CP have proven in previous games that they can compete at a high level. Therefore, we will need a collective effort from the entire team to secure the victory. They have a deep roster, and many players can contribute from the bench.”

Erik Shoji, libero of Asseco Resovia: “We are very excited for the CEV Champions League match against Sporting CP. They are a very good team with experienced players and a lot of talent. I think they are a great team, and we need to be ready to fight and hopefully take the win.”

Pool E 

PGE Projekt WARSZAWA (POL) vs. Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA (ITA) 

After two wins, both by a 3-0 score-line in the matches they have played this far, Cucine Lube head into this away trip to Poland aiming to complete a hat-trick of victories that would further strengthen, perhaps even decisively, their leadership at the top of Pool E.

The Italian team coached by Giampaolo Medei, who had started the season with a very poor away record (just one win in eight matches played on the road), are now coming off two consecutive victories in as many away games (the first in Belgium in the CEV Champions League vs Volley Haasrode LEUVEN, and the second a few days ago in the Italian SuperLega against Grottazzolina). As a result, Lube travel to Warsaw with great confidence, also boosted by the outstanding form of Aleksandar Nikolov.

Two-time #CLVolleyM winners (2002 and 2019) Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA and PGE Projekt WARSZAWA meet for the first time in the Champions League. Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA have a W18-L8 record against Polish clubs in the Champions League. However, they have lost their last three such matches, all in 2021/2022 (vs Grupa Azoty KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE in the group phase and vs JASTRZEBSKI Wegiel in the quarterfinals). Nevertheless, the Italians have won eight of their 10 group phase fixtures against Polish clubs. The exceptions are the loss against Grupa Azoty KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE (2-3) in 2021/2022, and a 1-3 defeat versus PGE Skra BELCHATOW in 2006/2007 (as Lube Banca Marche MACERATA). Last season, Cucine Lube were beaten in the Challenge Cup final by a Polish team, Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN, which later went on to win their national championship. 

PGE Projekt WARSZAWA recently suffered a rather surprising 2-3 loss at the hands of MONTPELLIER HSC VB in France. They have a W1-L3 record against Italian clubs in the Champions League, all as Verva WARSZAWA Orlen Paliwa. They won their most recent such encounter (3-2) versus Leo Shoes MODENA in the 2020/2021 group phase. More recently, Projekt WARSZAWA defeated Italy’s Mint Vero Volley MONZA in the final of the 2024 Challenge Cup (3-1, 3-1). Their roster features two familiar faces from the Italian league: Kévin Tillie and Bartosz Bednorz.

Marko Podrascanin, middle blocker of Cucine Lube: “This match in Poland is certainly the key game in our journey in Pool E, perhaps even the most difficult one, considering that the team we will face has many players in their roster with great international experience. Given the current standings, I believe most of the pressure ahead of this match is on our opponents, who, after the loss they suffered in France, absolutely need to beat us to stay in the race for the first place. On our side, we will need great focus and, above all, consistency in our game, keeping mistakes to an absolute minimum. The serve could be decisive, as often happens in matches like this, which are settled by the smallest details.”

MONTPELLIER HSC VB (FRA) vs. Volley Haasrode LEUVEN (BEL) 

Wildcard holders MONTPELLIER HSC VB will be trying to capitalize on the wave of enthusiasm resulting from their sensational 3-2 victory over PGE Projekt WARSZAWA in the previous round. They play #CLVolleyM rookies Volley Haasrode LEUVEN for the first time. If we look at the current records, French clubs lead the way in their matchups against Belgian teams in the Champions League with a record of 11 wins and nine losses. 

The current roster of LEUVEN includes two French players, Arsène Ponsin and Gildas Prévert. Ponsin and Quentin Jouffroy (MONTPELLIER HSC VB) played together during the 2023/2024 season at Plessis Robinson. Prévert played alongside Maxime Hervoir and Corentin Phelut during the 2022/2023 season at St Jean d’Illac, and he also knows MONTPELLIER HSC VB well, having often faced them in Ligue AM and Marmara SpikeLigue during his previous stints in Tours, Paris, Poitiers and Rennes.

Tomas Lopez Pascual, player of MONTPELLIER HSC VB: “I am expecting a difficult match because we do not know this team at all. But we are playing at home, so we will do everything we can to win. That is the goal.” 

Quentin Jouffroy, player of MONTPELLIER HSC VB: “This team is not one of the big names in the pool, but it is a team with nothing to lose, so we have to be careful. We are preparing to give everything, otherwise we could be surprised.”