After a historic 2024 season that saw HB Ostrov z.s. lift the Europe Cup, the Czech champions now step into the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16, aiming to build on their continental success. The team has been placed among the eight highest seeds, earning direct entry into the main stage.
However, their opening draw is anything but easy. HB Ostrov travel to Germany on 11 November 2025 to face Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V., a regular Bundesliga powerhouse featuring world-class talent.
“Every club from the German Bundesliga is extremely difficult,” admitted Czech international Pavel ŠIRUČEK. “But we will fight for promotion. It’s a huge advantage that Vladislav URSU can play without him, we probably wouldn’t have much chance. Now it’s much better. We want to get the best possible result in the first match so that we have a real opportunity in the return leg. We’ll also have our great fans behind us at home, which could help if it goes to a Golden Match.”
HB Ostrov’s line-up features Vladislav URSU (MDA), Jiří VRÁBLÍK, Tomáš TREGLER, and Martin KOBLÍŽEK, combining international experience with domestic consistency.
The German side, however, bring serious depth: LIN Gaoyuan (CHN), Ovidiu IONESCU (ROU), LIAO Cheng-Ting (TPE), Kay STUMPER (GER), and Steffen MENGEL (GER), with Marcos FREITAS (POR) also registered. Mühlhausen topped their Stage 2 group with a perfect record and will be formidable opponents.
Coach Mira JINEK shared confidence ahead of the upcoming clash: “The atmosphere in the team is great. We are leading the Czech League and looking forward to the match. The opponent is very strong, and the draw was tough, but we will fight and try to advance to the next stage.”
On the team’s condition, he confirmed: “All players are fit and ready to compete.”
Jinek emphasised the importance of the Champions League for the club: “This competition is a top priority for us — for our sponsors, our fans, and for the reputation of Czech table tennis.”
Finally, he addressed the supporters: “We ask our fans to keep their fingers crossed and come to our home matches in large numbers. Their support means a lot; they are among the best in Europe.”
