Champions League 2014/15 (Final Four - Berlin)

When the world’s best players come to fight for the European crown, high-intensity matches, top-class volleyball and an extra-ordinary event are guaranteed. Dominated by the volleyball nations such as Russia or Poland the final tournaments were often played on Eastern-Europe ground. Now, for the first time in history, the CEV Champions League Final Four comes to Germany, to Max-Schmeling-Halle Berlin, where the side of BR Volleys wants to prove themselves as dignified host.  

Replacing the former Champions Cup, Europe’s most import_ant club competition, the CEV Champions League, was established at the dawn of the third millennium. The competition has evolved into a major sport event and plainly belongs to the greatest goals to achieve in a sportsman’s career – next to the Olympics, World Championships and the World League.  

In 15 years of Final Four history the tournament was mainly hosted by the big players in the volleyball strongholds Russia (2013, 2007, 2004), Poland (2012, 2010, 2008 and 2002) and Italy (2011, 2006, 2003 and 2000). Last year the Final Four was played in ANKARA (Turkey). Also the winning teams have not varied much, as nine teams claimed the European title. Italy was represented six times, with the standout team from Trento taking three consecutive win to the province of TRENTINO (2009-2011). It’s been quite a while for other Italian teams to take the crown as Sisley TREVISO won in 2000 and 2006. The only victory of a German team – VfB FRIEDRICHSHAFEN – is now eight years ago. Recently there were especially Russian teams to dominate the Champions League as six victories were claimed by clubs of the Superliga (2014, 2013, 2012, 2008, 2004, and 2003).  

The “Russian giant” Belogorie BELGOROD around Georg Grozer could settle the Champions League triple last year, after edging their national rivals from KAZAN in the semi-final and eventually defeating the hopes of the home team Halkbank ANKARA after nearly two hours with 3-1 sets in front of 6’800 spectators. Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK managed to make use of the home advantage when playing with 5’400 spectators in their backs, as they edged Bre Banca Lannutti CUNEO in an enthralling tie-breaker at the 2013 CEV Champions League Final Four. Remaining in volleyball enthusiasts’ minds as a heart-breaking defeat for the home team, the 2012 CEV Champions League Final Four could eventually be won by Zenit KAZAN – with a 17-15 tie-break success over PGE Ska BEŁCHATÓW in front of 13’000 spectators at the Atlas Arena in Łódź.  

Now, the world’s most competitive and prestigious club competition will be hosted in Berlin, in the heart of Europe. Known for their ability to turn volleyball matches into events for the entire family, the side of BERLIN Recycling Volleys wants to prove themselves as dignified host of the Champions League Final Four played March 28-29h. With more than 14’000 spectators at the team’s preliminary matches Max-Schmeling-Halle already lived up to their reputation of being Germany’s “volleyball temple” during the group phase.

source: www.berlin-recycling-volleys.de

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