The ETTU Champions League Men reaches a crucial stage, as the remaining eight teams compete for four places at the Final Four, with four high-profile ties scheduled between 14 and 18 January. After an intense Round of 16 featuring great performances, dramatic Golden Matches and statement wins by Europe’s leading clubs, the race to the Final Four is reaching final stage.
German Derby Opens the Quarterfinals in Mühlhausen
The quarterfinal action begins on 14 January (18:00) with an all-German clash, as Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. welcome six-time champions Borussia Düsseldorf.
Mühlhausen earned their place among the last eight through a hard-fought Round of 16 victory against HB Ostrov z.s. Borussia Düsseldorf, last season’s runners-up, were tested to their limits by Real Club Cajasur Priego TM but once again demonstrated their experience and composure in decisive moments. With both sides deeply familiar with each other, the opening leg promises a tightly contested encounter.
Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier Host Polish Power Dekorglass
On 15 January (19:30), Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier will look to extend their impressive European run when they face KS Dekorglass Działdowo in Nîmes.
The French club were flawless in the Round of 16, sweeping aside SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt without dropping a single game, led by the LEBRUN brothers and a disciplined team performance. Dekorglass, quarterfinalists for the third consecutive season, arrive with confidence after two straight-match victories over SKST Havířov.
All-Polish Battle for a Final Four Spot
A guaranteed Polish representative in the Final Four will be decided on 17 January (19:00), when KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów host KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki.
Suchedniów booked their place via a dramatic Golden Match, showing nerves of steel after overturning a heavy first-leg defeat against TTC Sokah Hoboken. KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, seeded No. 3, progressed in convincing fashion against SF SKK El Nino Praha, underlining their ambition to return to the Final Four in consecutive seasons. Familiarity between the two sides adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an intense national derby on the European stage.
Champions Tested in Hennebont
The final quarterfinal first leg takes place on 18 January (19:30), as GV Hennebont TT welcome reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT.
Hennebont impressed in the Round of 16 with a commanding home win against ASC Grünwettersbach, continuing their strong form on home soil. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, winners of the last three Champions League titles, advanced after victory over Dojlidy Białystok.
Quarterfinal Schedule – First Legs
- 14 January, 18:00 Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) – Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) Mühlhausen
- 15 January, 19:30 Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier (FRA) – KS Dekorglass Działdowo (POL) Nîmes
- 17 January, 19:00 KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów (POL) – KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) Suchedniów
- 18 January, 19:30 GV Hennebont TT (FRA) – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT (GER) Hennebont
PHOTO by Christopher Jost
