In the Round of 16 of the ETTU Champions League Men, Austria’s SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt, last year’s quarterfinalists and Final 4 contenders in 2024, will face a formidable challenge against French champions Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier, led by the dynamic LEBRUN brothers, Félix and Alexis. The French side also reached the quarterfinals in 2024, where they bowed out against Borussia Düsseldorf.
Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier entered this season through Stage One, where Alexis LEBRUN, Gregoire JEAN, and Manav THAKAR comfortably topped their group. In contrast, Wiener Neustadt begins their campaign directly in Stage Two.
The Austrian club underwent significant changes in the off-season. Their new line-up features Andrei ISTRATE (No. 56 in the European rankings), alongside Peter HRIBAR (Slovenia), Navid SHAMS (Iran), Shunsuke OKANO (Japan), and Piotr CYRNEK (Poland).
“The team is in good shape and extremely excited about the upcoming Champions League match,” said TTC Wiener Neustadt President Franz GERNJAK. “We have completely rebuilt our roster and assembled a young, highly motivated squad led by the experienced Piotr CYRNEK.”
Currently, Wiener Neustadt lead the Austrian Bundesliga with four wins and one draw. The first leg of the Round of 16 will take place on November 16.
“It’s clear that Montpellier are the favorites,” admitted GERNJAK. “But there’s always a chance, and we want to seize it. Their squad is fantastic with the LEBRUN brothers, but their heavy international schedule might be a weakness. We have nothing to lose and will give our best in front of a full house and a passionate home crowd. The Champions League is undoubtedly the highlight of our season.”
President GERNJAK also emphasized the strength of the team’s bench and shared his message to the fans:
“We are proud to host one of the best teams in Europe, come and enjoy a fantastic Champions League atmosphere.”
As for their ambition this season, he added:
“Our goal is simple — to achieve the impossible and return once again to the Final Four in Saarbrücken.”
