Croatian champion Mladost Zagreb will be Levski (Sofia)'s first opponent in the qualifications for the group stage of the Champions League. The team from Zagreb overcame Cypriot Pafiakos after two 3:1 victories, and the curious connection between the two clubs and Bulgarian volleyball passes through the name of Boyan Yordanov. Pafiakos is the former team of the talented opposite hitter – one of the most famous volleyball players to emerge from Levski's academy.
The former Bulgarian international joined the Cypriot club in 2024, after previously wearing the jersey of Greek Milon. With Pafiakos, he won the Cypriot Super Cup and participated in European club tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals of the CEV Cup.
Thus, the draw created a curious indirect connection – Mladost Zagreb eliminated one of Yordanov's former clubs to face Levski, where the Bulgarian opposite hitter's path to big volleyball began.
In the return match on Croatian soil, Mladost won 3:1 (21:25, 25:22, 25:17, 25:19), after having to erase a one-set deficit. The guests from Cyprus started more confidently and won the first set 25:21, but the hosts gradually took control of the match.
The second set proved to be a turning point. The Croatian team equalized after 25:22, and in the next two sets imposed their superiority with 25:17 and 25:19. The match lasted 105 minutes and was watched by 383 spectators in the "Dom odbojke Bojan Stranić" hall in Zagreb.
Mladost had also won the first match in Paphos 3:1 (25:21, 21:25, 25:21, 25:23), which secured them two victories and a place in the second qualifying round.
The first match between Mladost and Levski will be in Zagreb between November 3 and 5, with the exact date and kick-off time yet to be specified.
The return leg is scheduled for November 11 at 8:00 PM in the "Levski Sofia" hall. The winner of the two matches will advance to the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Who is Mladost Zagreb – Levski's opponent?

Mladost is the most decorated Croatian men's volleyball club, with a rich history and significant successes on the European stage. In the 2025/26 season, the team won the championship title and the Croatian Cup.

The current Mladost squad features experienced players Leo Andric and Jan Pokersnik, who scored 18 points each in the first match against Pafiakos. A serious weapon for the Croatian champion is also the block, with 21-year-old Sven Jakopec recording five successful blocks and a total of 13 points in the same match.
The combination of experienced internationals and young players makes Mladost a serious obstacle for Levski on their way to the Champions League group stage.

photo:cev.eu