The 66th version of the CEV Champions League has simply rolled to a begin, however anticipation is already excessive for the Ultimate 4. That is the primary occasion within the highest stage of European membership volleyball competitors, so it’s comprehensible the hype and fanfare round it.
What will we find out about this yr’s Ultimate 4?
The League has simply began, so precise dates and the Ultimate 4 occasion location usually are not but obtainable. Nonetheless, the ultimate is scheduled for Might 2025.
The Ultimate 4 occasion will observe the usual format. It will likely be performed over two days and can encompass the semi-finals and the finals. The highest 4 groups that survive the quarter-finals will battle it out in two matches on the primary day. The match winners will meet within the last showdown on the second day. The shedding groups from the primary day can even play for third place on the second day.
Which European groups are prime contenders for the Ultimate 4?
Italy and Poland are two nations which have dominated the League. Between them, three groups have gained it up to now 5 years. Italy’s Trentino Itas gained the final version. Polish crew Grupa Azoty KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE gained three consecutive instances in a row from 2021 by way of 2023, whereas Italian crew Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA took house the 2019 trophy (the competitors was cancelled in 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic).
Each nations every have three groups representing them on this yr’s championship. Though not one of the previous winners are among the many opponents, these collaborating are equally gifted groups longing for the prospect to cement their place in historical past.
As an illustration, Italy’s Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia and Vero Volley Monza got here first place and runner-up final season within the home SuperLega. Berlin Recycling Volleys have reigned over the Bundesliga title, profitable 11 out of the final 12. Poland’s Jastrzębski Węgiel has not solely gained three of the final 4 PlusLiga titles but additionally completed as runners-up in every of the final two European Volleyball finals.
Should you’re seeking to wager, Italian and Polish groups are nice picks, as these have dominated the League in latest instances. Check out Wincomparator to seek out the websites with one of the best odds on varied occasions throughout the match.
One other prime contender is Germany, which additionally has three representatives. German groups have usually achieved properly within the competitors, frequently reaching quarter-finals.
Along with Italy, Poland, and Germany, which have three groups every, Turkey, Belgium, and France every have two groups collaborating. Rounding up the 20 qualifying groups is one illustration every from the next nations: Bulgaria, Czechia, Slovenia, Austria and Greece.
- Italy – Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia; Vero Volley Monza; Allianz Milano
- Poland – Jastrzębski Węgiel; Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie; PGE Projekt Warsaw
- Germany – Berlin Recycling Volleys; SVG Lüneburg; Helios Grizzlys Giesen
- Turkey – Halkbank Ankara; Fenerbahçe Medicana İstanbul
- Belgium – Knack Roeselare; Greenyard Maaseik
- France – Saint-Nazaire VB Atlantique; Chaumont VB 52
- Bulgaria – Levski Sofia
- Czech Republic – Jihostroj České Budějovice
- Slovenia – ACH Volley Ljubljana
- Austria – Hypo Tirol Innsbruck
- Greece – Olympiacos Piraeus
