OMM Newsroom
The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has praised the performance of Turan in the women’s Champions League. The Tovuz club beat Bulgaria’s Maritsa 3-0 away (25-22, 25-22, 25-20) in the first leg of the third qualifying round.
CEV highlighted the team’s coordinated play and said the victory was secured in 81 minutes. In its debut season, Turan must win the return match on November 11, by any score, to advance to the tournament’s group stage.
Azerbaijani clubs’ European successes
CEV’s report said Turan hopes to follow in the footsteps of Rabita, once among Europe’s strongest teams. The Baku club won the Club World Championship in 2011 and finished second in 2012. Rabita claimed silver medals in the CEV Champions League in 2011 and 2013, and bronze in 2014.
Another successful Azerbaijani club, Azerrail, won the CEV Top Teams Cup in 2002 and the Challenge Cup in 2011.
Xilasedici’s match
CEV also discussed Xilasedici’s debut in the men’s Champions League. A crowd of 1,500 watched the Azerbaijani club’s home match against Sporting. Xilasedici took a 2-1 lead but could not hold on, as the match ended in a 3-2 win for the Portuguese club.
The return match will be played in Portugal on November 11. If Xilasedici lose, they will continue their campaign in the CEV Cup.
Context
On October 30, Turan advanced to the third round of the Champions League after beating Mladost 3-2 in the second qualifying round’s return match. Head coach Ziya Rajabov said travel fatigue, a three-hour time difference between the countries and limited preparation time had affected the team.
