Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie head to Łódź after unbeaten #CLVolleyM campaign

Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie made history in the 2025 edition of the CEV Champions League Men, reaching the Final Four for the first time. After a debut appearance in the 2022/23 season that ended in the Playoffs, the Polish side returned with renewed determination and delivered a faultless campaign to book their place among the top four teams in Europe.

Their journey began with a dominant run in the group stage, where they won all six matches, including six straight-set victories. Only five of the 27 sets played across the group and knockout rounds were decided by a minimum two-point margin, underlining their control in almost every encounter. Their consistent performances made them the only team to remain unbeaten heading into the Final Four.

In the quarterfinals, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie took on Germany’s SVG Lüneburg and delivered a convincing statement of intent. A commanding 3–0 win away from home laid the foundation, and they followed it up with a 3–1 result in Sosnowiec to seal their place in the Final Four. Portuguese setter Miguel Tavares Rodrigues was at the heart of the team’s rhythm, not only directing the offence with control but also chipping in four aces in the second leg — a performance that earned him the MVP award.

Throughout the Champions League campaign, outside hitter Aaron Russell emerged as the team’s top scorer, finishing with 97 points. His reliability in attack and reception made him one of Aluron’s key figures. Opposite Karol Butryn, who had been instrumental in domestic fixtures earlier in the season, maintained his form in Europe, offering power and consistency when it mattered most. Bartosz Kwolek brought balance on the wing, contributing important points while keeping the reception line steady during tense moments.

Defensively, libero Luke Perry provided the team with much-needed calm in the backcourt, while middle blocker Mateusz Bieniek added bite at the net with his blocking and fast middle plays. Together, this core group helped drive Aluron’s unbeaten run into the final stage of the competition

This season’s Champions League run marked a turning point for Aluron, as they established themselves as a disciplined and technically solid team capable of matching Europe’s best. Head coach Michał Winiarski played a key role in guiding the squad through each stage of the competition, applying his international experience and calm leadership to navigate the demands of European play.

With eight straight wins and a place secured in the Final Four, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie's 2025 campaign stands as the most successful in the club’s history. Their progress was built on a collective approach, effective systems, and strong individual performances, and their place among Europe’s top four is the result of consistent execution and composure throughout the season.

Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie will face fellow Polish side JSW Jastrzębski Węgiel in the semi-final of the CEV Champions League Final Four, set to take place in Łódź. It’s a familiar opponent, and a straightforward contest is unlikely.