29/10/2019 12:00
Rookies Benfica, Polonia to host return matches in #CLVolleyM opening round
CEV Champions League Volley 2020
Luxembourg, October 29, 2019. Rookies Benfica LISBOA are hosting Mladost BRČKO on Tuesday night in an effort to capitalise on their 3-0 away victory from last week and secure their spot in the 2nd Round of the CEV Champions League Volley 2020 where they would play OK BUDVA of Montenegro. On Wednesday, IBB Polonia LONDON will take the Champions League to the British capital for the first time in history when playing Mladost ZAGREB at the iconic Copper Box Arena – hoping to fight their way back from the heavy loss they suffered last week in Croatia. Live streaming of all matches is available on the CEV’s very own OTT platform EuroVolleyTV.
Click here for a comprehensive TV schedule.
Benfica LISBOA (POR) vs. Mladost BRČKO (BIH)
• After a resounding 3-0 victory last week in Pale, Benfica LISBOA want to seal qualification to the 2nd Round of the CEV Champions League Volley when playing at home.
• The re-match with Bosnian national champions Mladost BRČKO will start at 8 pm at Pavilion nº 2 of da Luz complex.
• This is the first-ever home match played by Benfica in Europe’s prime Volleyball competition.
Flavio Antonio Santos Soares, aka Zelão, player of Benfica (pictured above): “We expect to have a lot of supporters in the stands, like always. We have been participating in competitions of a lower level for a few seasons, and this year is a very big challenge that we all want to take up. It is almost a reward to the fans of Benfica to have high-level and high-quality Volleyball – and that is a good test for us as well. I believe that with the help of the fans we will close this round with a flourish and start thinking about the next one.”
IBB Polonia LONDON (ENG) vs. Mladost ZAGREB (CRO)
• During the very first Champions League played on British soil, IBB Polonia will count on two Olympians on their roster – legendary Brazilian Giba and Aden Tutton. Tutton was the libero of the Australian National team that beat Poland at London 2012.
• IBB Polonia have a significant number of young British players (8) in the squad and they are investing in supporting them in their development, so that they can contribute to the future of the club as well as of British Volleyball.
• IBB Polonia participated in the CEV Challenge Cup in the 2016/2017 season and made history by winning a match in a European tournament beating Fino KAPOSVAR of Hungary in 16th Finals.
• Copper Box Arena – the venue where IBB Polonia LONDON and Mladost ZAGREB play their Champions League match – hosted the handball competition of the 2012 Olympics. Volleyball took place at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre instead.
• Before their first historic match in the Champions League last week, IBB Polonia travelled to play the reigning national cup and league champions of Poland – Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE – at Hala Azoty where both teams played a warm-up match before the start of the season.
• The match between IBB Polonia and Mladost is a historic event - the first ever Volleyball Champions League fixture in London.
• The youngest, but budding player of IBB Polonia LONDON is English outside spiker – Ben Lucas (18).
Bartosz Kisielewicz, captain of IBB Polonia LONDON: “I cannot wait to welcome our Croatian rivals in London. There is still everything to play for and our team will call on all our experience and talent at the Copper Box. I am in no doubt Mladost will face a formidable and motivated opposition, as well as the passionate and loud atmosphere our fans are known for; the match is historic for us, for London and the UK and so we will give our absolute all to make sure the result is one to remember for all the right reasons. Hope you can join us.”
Radovan Malevic, head coach of Mladost ZAGREB: “It is our first time in London, so it is something new to attend a Volleyball event in this city. We came here obviously to win the game, but we always keep respect and fair play, when we play.”
Click here for further information.
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