In a conclusion to the CEV Champions League Pool Stage, 11 teams have successfully advanced to the knockout rounds. The final day of Round 6 witnessed intense action, with five pool winners earning direct spots in the quarter-finals. The other six teams are now set for challenging playoff battles.
Highlighting the day’s excitement, reigning champions Grupa Azoty Kędzierzyn-Koźle staged an impressive comeback. Facing elimination after a lackluster campaign, they overturned a two-set deficit against Knack Roeselare, clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory to secure their playoff position.
In Pool A, Ziraat Bank Ankara emerged as the standout team, maintaining a flawless record and leading with the highest point tally (16). Grupa Azoty Kędzierzyn-Koźle, despite their struggles, scraped through as the second-placed team with the lowest points, setting up a formidable playoff match against Halkbank Ankara. Halkbank Ankara finished second in Pool C behind Italian team Gas Sales Daiko Piacenza. Italian clubs continued their dominant display, with both Trentino Itas and Cucine Lube Civitanova winning their respective pools. Alongside them, Jastrzębski Węgiel also advanced directly to the quarter-finals after topping Pool D.
An exciting quarter-final matchup is already set, featuring Piacenza and Jastrzębski Węgiel, promising high drama in the quest for a semi-final berth. Tours VB from France, leading the second-placed teams, will face off against Berlin Recycling Volleys in the Play Offs, who are entering this phase as the top-ranked third-placed team. Lvi Praha also advanced to the playoffs with a commanding 3-0 win over Arcada Galați, setting the stage for a balanced confrontation against Guaguas Las Palmas. As previously mentioned, Grupa Azoty Kędzierzyn-Koźle is preparing for their playoff match against Halkbank Ankara.
The CEV Champions League 2024 Men’s playoffs are poised to begin with doubleheader matches, the first leg occurring in the last week of January and the second in early February, promising more thrilling volleyball action.
