Bulgarian volleyball champion Levski now has the full schedule for its playoff matches against Spanish Guaguas Las Palmas in the Champions League. After we announced the dates yesterday – November 19 and 26, today the European Volleyball Confederation officially announced the times of the matches as well.

First match – away game in Las Palmas

Nikolay Zhelyazkov's team will start the decisive battle as visitors. The first game will be played on:

• November 19 (Wednesday)

• Gran Canaria Arena

• Start time: 9:00 PM Bulgarian time

The Spanish champions traditionally play with extreme confidence at home, and 'the Blues' will have to show stable play both in blocking and through their quick combinations with the setter, to gain an advantage before the return leg.

Return leg in Sofia a week later

The decisive match, which could bring Levski back among the best teams in Europe, is scheduled for:

• November 26 (Wednesday)

• Levski Sofia Hall

• Start time: 8:00 PM

The hall is expected to be full, as interest in Champions League matches has grown significantly after Levski's participation in the group stage last season.

What's next if they succeed?

If Levski manages to eliminate Guaguas, 'the Blues' will once again secure a spot in the group stage of the strongest European club tournament. There, a real challenge awaits them – one of the toughest groups in recent years:

• Perugia (Italy) – current trophy holder

• Berlin Recycling Volleys (Germany) – a consistent factor in the German Bundesliga

• Lvi Prague (Czech Republic) – a team with growing European ambition

Participation in such a group would be valuable experience for Levski, as well as an opportunity to face players of the highest international class.