Champions League Kickoff for Slovenian Champions

For the reigning national champions, ACH Volley Ljubljana, the Champions League season kicks off today with a match in Berlin against the local team, Berlin Recycling Volleys. This marks the 17th season for the Orange Dragons in Europe's most prestigious club competition. They compete in Group A, alongside the German champions, as well as PGE Projekt Warsaw from Poland and Greenyard Maaseik from Belgium.

The Ljubljana team is extremely satisfied with their performance so far this season, boasting an impressive streak of eleven consecutive wins without dropping a single set. This highlights the quality of their squad, which aims to make a significant impact in the Champions League as well. The Berlin team is also off to a strong start this season. Coach Joel Banks' squad, which included Slovenian national player and current ACH Volley member Sašo Štalekar for the past two seasons, remains unbeaten in the competitive German league with eight consecutive victories. They are once again strong contenders for the German championship title.

The Orange Dragons arrived in Germany on Sunday and immediately held a strength training session. On Monday evening, they tested the playing court. The spectacle at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin is set to start at 19:30.

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana's Head Coach, Matjaž Hafner, ahead of the Champions League opener:
"We are ready for the start of the Champions League. There's a positive kind of nervousness before the first match. The team is in good shape; we've analyzed our opponent and know where the biggest threats come from. Our serve must be strong to push the opponent away from the net, as they can play a very versatile game. On the other hand, we need to be solid in reception to allow our setters to execute a fast and unpredictable game. We are looking forward to the match and hope for a favorable outcome."

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana's player, Sašo Štalekar:
"The group stage of the Champions League begins with a match against Berlin, my former club. We are all eagerly anticipating this first game to gauge where our level of play currently stands. The team is highly motivated and eager to prove itself. We approach the game with a winning mindset and confidence as we face a tough away match in a packed arena in Berlin."