It was a night defined by strong home performances across Europe as SVG Lüneburg, PGE Projekt Warszawa, and defending champions Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia all secured victories to kick off their #CLVolleyM campaigns. Lüneburg overcame Sporting CP Lisboa in four sets behind an outstanding MVP display from Daniel Gruvaeus; Projekt Warszawa controlled the net to sweep Leuven with a commanding block advantage; and Perugia, after dropping a tight first set, restored their rhythm to secure a win over Lvi Praha in their Pool C debut. Three matches, three strong statements were made early in the 2025/26 Champions League season.
Pool D: SVG Lüneburg (GER) vs. Sporting CP Lisboa (POR) 3-1
(25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23)
In the second match of Pool D, SVG Lüneburg hosted Champions League newcomers Sporting CP Lisboa at the LKH Arena. The game started with Daniel Gruvaeus immediately setting the tone, proving to be the hosts` key player. With Gruvaeus dominating the attack and service line, Lüneburg quickly established an early lead (8–3) and maintained control, winning the opening set 25–18. Gruvaeus tallied 7 points in the opener, supported by Joscha Kunstmann.
The second set was initially more competitive, with Edson Alberto Valencia Gonzalez and Lourenço Martins stepping up for Sporting CP. However, Lüneburg quickly rebuilt their advantage. Gruvaeus continued his impressive run, adding an ace to push the score to 13–10. Strong attacking performances from Axel Enlund and Ethan Champlin helped Lüneburg maintain confidence, sealing the set 25–19.
Sporting CP staged a strong comeback in the third set. Despite Lüneburg’s early lead, the visitors, fueled by the aggressive serving of Sergey Grankin and strong attack from Valencia Gonzalez (7 points in the set) and Martins, built an impressive 17–13 advantage. Although Lüneburg fought back to tie at 23–23, two brilliant plays from Martins allowed Lisboa to snatch the set 25–23, extending the match.
The fourth set was a tight, intense battle. Gruvaeus was the difference-maker, delivering back-to-back aces to push Lüneburg ahead 13–9. Though Sporting CP, led by Valencia Gonzalez and Martins, fought persistently and leveled the score at 20–20, a clutch attack from Champlin gave the hosts match point. A missed serve from Lisboa ultimately closed the match, securing a 3-1 victory for Lüneburg.
Daniel Gruvaeus, who tied for top-scoring honors with Lisboa’s Edson Valencia Gonzalez at 20 points, was deservedly named MVP.
Stefan Hübner
Head Coach of SVG Lüneburg
Daniel Gruvaeus
MVP and player of SVG Lüneburg
João Coelho
Head Coach of Sporting CP Lisboa
Pool C: Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA (ITA) vs. VK Lvi PRAHA (CZE) 3-1
(24–26, 25–18, 25–18, 25–19)
Defending Champions Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia began their 2025/26 CEV Champions League campaign with a measured 3–1 victory over VK Lvi Praha. While the Italians started somewhat hesitantly, dropping the first set in a tight finish, they quickly regained their composure to showcase their experience and depth.
Praha delivered a fierce opening, stealing the first set thanks largely to the sharp attacking of opposite David Kollátor. The Czech standout was the match’s top scorer with 20 points, achieving an impressive 61% attack efficiency, which kept Praha competitive throughout the evening.
Perugia swiftly adjusted. Setter Simone Giannelli accelerated the offense, allowing the hosts to tighten their defense and improve their side-out execution. Kamil Semeniuk stepped up as the most consistent scoring threat for Perugia, contributing 18 points (including 15 spikes and 2 aces). Key contributions from the middle blockers helped Perugia decisively outblock Praha 12–7.
Sets two, three, and four followed a similar pattern, with Perugia relying on aggressive serving and disciplined structure. Despite continued efforts from Kollátor and outside hitter Jiri Benda, Praha struggled to break the champions` rhythm. Perugia closed the match confidently at 25–19 in the fourth set.
The victory extends Perugia’s impressive group stage record in the Champions League, now standing at 51 wins in 55 matches, starting their title defense on solid ground.
Simone Giannelli
Player of Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia
Pool E: PGE Projekt Warszawa (POL) vs. Volley Haasrode Leuven (BEL) 3-0
(25-17, 25-17, 25-20)
PGE Projekt Warszawa began their Pool E campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over Volley Haasrode Leuven in front of a packed Torwar Hall. The Polish side’s dominance at the net proved decisive, overwhelming the visitors with a huge 15-3 blocking advantage.
Ukrainian international Yurii Semeniuk was the undisputed MVP. The middle blocker, known for his blocking prowess, delivered six crucial blocks and finished with 12 points, showcasing 42% attack efficiency.
The first set saw both teams exchange points early, but Warszawa shifted momentum when Semeniuk asserted himself at the net, pushing the hosts to an 8-5 lead. Strong blocking, including a key block by Jan Firlej, helped Warszawa build a gap (16-12) that Leuven could not close, ending the opener 25-17.
Leuven started the second set with more aggression, jumping to a 5-1 lead. However, Warszawa quickly regrouped, utilizing their superior blocking to reclaim the lead at 8-6. With Semeniuk and Bartosz Bednorz maintaining the pressure, the Polish team controlled the set comfortably, closing it out to take a 2-0 lead.
The third set was the most closely contested, remaining point-for-point after Leuven took a momentary early lead. Warszawa eventually pulled ahead 14-11 and maintained their advantage. Fittingly, the match was sealed 25-20 with yet another emphatic block from MVP Semeniuk, summarizing a dominant team performance defined by net control.
Yurii Semeniuk
MVP and player of PGE Projekt Warszawa
Finley Blackwood