Maritsa (Plovdiv) secured its ninth consecutive participation in the group stage of the Champions League, after defeating Croatian Dinamo (Zagreb) for the second time – this time 3:0 (25:13, 25:10, 25:20) in Kolodruma Hall. Following their success in the first match in Zagreb, the "yellow-blues" eliminated their opponent without losing a single set.

The Plovdiv team dominated from the first ball, built an early lead, and gave the visitors no chance. In the second set, powerful serving and stable blocking led to a 13-point difference, and the match was decided after an attack by Kaya Nikolova for 25:20 in the third set.

Iva Dudova was the top scorer with 18 points (4 aces), followed by Borislava Saykova with 9.

With this victory, Maritsa entered Group "E", alongside Polish Developres Rzeszów, German SSC Palmberg Schwerin, and French Levallois Paris Saint Cloud. The matches begin at the end of November.

Head coach Ahmetcan Erşimsşek stated to the club's website after the match:
"The result looks easy, but this was Maritsa's most important match in recent years. The players were extremely concentrated and motivated. The Champions League is a tournament that inspires and shows our true level."

Regarding the upcoming clash with Developres Rzeszów, the specialist added:
"I know their staff – it will be a difficult match, but we will give our best. In this tournament, there are no easy opponents; our goal is always to win."

photo: CEV