The best league in the world, the CEV Champions League, has released their 2017-2018 pools for the group stage. Last year, Vakifbank took the title for the third time with Imoco Volley Conegliano coming in second and Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul third. Pitted against Russian superstars Dinamo Moscow, fellow Turkish rivals Galatasaray SK Istanbul and Grot Budowlani Lodz, Vakifbank will have its work cut out to repeat as the champions for the fourth time.
Interestingly both Italian teams were drawn in the same pool, where they will face off against Fenerbahce and Agel Prostejov. Enrico Marchioni, manager of one of those clubs Igor Gorgonzloa Novara, commented on the strength of the pool saying “We were definitely placed in a very challenging group and the draw was not the best possible…” For the Italians (Gorgonzola Novara and Imoco Volley Conegliano), the competition will start on December 12-14 when they play each other.
Notably, Developres SkyRes Rzeszow and Maritza Plovdiv will be in the group stage of the Champions League for the first time this season after defeating Slovenian and Russian teams to qualify.
Group A:
- Volero Zurich (SUI)
- Asptt Mulhouse (FRA)
- CSM Volei Alba Blaj (ROU)
- Developres SkyRes Rzeszow (POL)
Group B:
- Fenerbahce SK Istanbul (TUR)
- Igor Gorgonzola Novara (ITA)
- Agel Prostejov (CZE)
- Imoco Volley Conegliano (ITA)
Group C:
- Chemik Police (POL)
- Dinamo Kazan (RUS)
- Vizura Ruma (SRB)
- Maritza Plovdiv (BUL)
Group D:
- Dinamo Moscow (RUS)
- Galatasaray SK Istanbul (TUR)
- Grot Budowlani Lodz (POL)
- Vakifbank Istanbul (TUR)
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