Maritza and Benfica claim key victories to reach the Pool Phase of the #CLVolleyW
Recap
The decisive Round 3 of the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026 qualifiers continued today with three matches, as eight teams battle for the final four places in the prestigious Pool Phase.
Maritza Plovdiv extends streak with ninth straight qualification
Maritza PLOVDIV confirmed their dominance in the CEV Champions League by advancing to the Pool Phase for the ninth consecutive season, following a commanding 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-20) win over OK Dinamo ZAGREB. After also winning last week’s first leg in Croatia, the Bulgarian champions sealed their ticket to the fourth round in style.
Led by MVP Iva Dudova, who scored 18 points with four aces and two kill blocks, Maritza showed control from start to finish, cheered on by their home fans at the Kolodruma in Plovdiv.
Maritza will now compete in Pool E alongside DevelopRes Rzeszów (POL), Palmberg Schwerin (GER) and Levallois Paris Saint Cloud (FRA).
Ahmetcan Ersimsek"If you look at the result, yes, it looks easy, but you have to ask us how we worked for this result. This was probably the most important match for Maritza in the last five years, because this year we had to earn our place in the pool stage and secure at least six more games in the Champions League, which is really important for us."
Head coach of Maritza Plovdiv
Iva Dudova"We are extremely pleased with this victory. We have been working hard to prepare for this opponent. I am happy we managed to show our game, even better than in the first match. And I would like to thank everyone who came to support us."
Opposite of Maritza Plovdiv, MVP and best scorer of the match
Benfica sweep Branik Maribor to continue their European journey
Sport LISBOA e BENFICA produced a strong all-around performance to defeat OTP Banka Branik MARIBOR in straight sets (25-18, 25-23, 25-21) and advance to the Pool Phase.
The Portuguese team showed composure and balance, maintaining control throughout the match while neutralising Maribor’s attacks in crucial moments. Isidora Ubavić stood out as the MVP, contributing eight points and a 32% spike in success rate, leading Benfica to another milestone in their European campaign.
Benfica will now compete in Pool B alongside Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL, Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA and PGE Budowlani ŁÓDŹ.
Two final Pool Phase spots to be decided on Thursday
The last two qualification matches will take place on Thursday, when Vasas Óbuda BUDAPEST face Olympiacos PIRAEUS, and Volero LE CANNET meet Janta Volej KISELA VODA.
The winners will claim the remaining two tickets to the Pool Phase of the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley Women 2026, completing the lineup for Europe’s premier club competition.