Slovenian Champions Against the Star-Studded Turkish Ziraat Led by Tonček Štern
The players of ACH Volley Ljubljana are set for their first CEV Cup quarterfinal match today, where they will face the formidable Ziraat Banka from Ankara, featuring Slovenia's best volleyball player, Tonček Štern.
Both teams have already completed their official training sessions ahead of the evening spectacle, which will be witnessed by a crowd of over 2,000 fans. The Slovenian champions, who remain unbeaten in their domestic league, are aware of the tough challenge awaiting them on home ground and are handing the role of favorites to the star-studded Turkish side. Nevertheless, the Ljubljana team promises to fight for every point and enters the match highly motivated.
Team captain Jani Kovačič shared his thoughts before the clash:
"Our last group stage match and victory in Belgium secured our continuation in European competitions and this CEV Cup quarterfinal, where we knew we would face a very strong opponent. Today, we must stay focused on our game, be courageous and responsible, and seize every opportunity that comes our way."
Ziraat has recorded 20 wins and only two losses in 22 matches this season and is aiming for the top spot in the CEV Cup as well. The head coach of the Orange Dragons, Matjaž Hafner, had this to say about their opponent:
"Dangers come from all sides. They have an incredibly strong team with excellent individual players, but we need to stay focused on ourselves and make things easier by serving aggressively and maintaining a solid reception."
The match at Hala Tivoli will start at 6:00 PM.