An historic match in the Women's Champions League will be played in Istanbul, but besides the symbolism around match No. 2000, in which Fenerbahçe Medicana, led by national coach Marcello Abbondanza, also plays, the fourth round of the group stage also brings a clearly expressed Bulgarian presence.

Alongside the participation of champion Maritsa Plovdiv, several other Bulgarian volleyball players, who defend the colors of leading clubs in the tournament, will appear on the European stage.

The focus naturally falls on the anniversary match Fenerbahçe – Igor Gorgonzola Novara, but in the parallel encounters, Bulgaria will be represented by Vangelia Rachkovska with Volero Le Cannet, Daria Ivanova in the squad of Alba Blaj, as well as Emilieta Racheva and Lora Kitipova, who together lead the game for the Serbian Železničar Lajkovac. Their presence is further proof of the stable place of Bulgarian players in the elite of European club volleyball.

Upcoming matches with Bulgarian participation

Group A
Vakifbank Istanbul – CS Volei Alba Blaj
Daria Ivanova and Alba Blaj are visiting one of the most dominant teams in the tournament. The Romanian champion is in the role of an underdog, but matches against Vakifbank are traditionally a test of class and character.

Savino Del Bene Scandicci – Volero Le Cannet
Vangelia Rachkovska's French team once again faces the world club champion. For Volero, this is an opportunity to gain experience at the highest level, and for the Bulgarian international – another match against elite competition.

Group C
Allianz Vero Volley Milano – Železničar Lajkovac
The Serbian debutant relies on the Bulgarian connection Emilieta Racheva – Lora Kitipova against favorites Milan. The match is crucial for Lajkovac's ambitions to remain competitive in the group.

Group E
Schwerin – Maritsa Plovdiv
The Bulgarian champion seeks to break the negative streak against German opponents. After the success over Levallois, Maritsa enters with greater confidence and the clear goal to defend the honor of Bulgarian volleyball in the Champions League.

Without unnecessary pathos, but with a clear presence – Bulgarian volleyball players are part of the key storylines of the fourth round. The anniversary match No. 2000 will go down in history, and along with it, another strong Bulgarian participation in Europe's most prestigious club tournament.