The two squads entered the continental campaign in encouraging domestic form, although their preparations followed different paths. The women's team had won their first three SuperSport Superliga matches without dropping a set, while the men's side began their domestic season with a convincing victory over city rivals Dinamo Zagreb. Both teams had also spent considerable time preparing for the increased intensity of European competition, recognising that their opening opponents would provide a much more demanding challenge.
Mladost Men Claim Valuable Victory in Cyprus
Mladost's men's team delivered a composed performance against Kuutio Homes Pafiakos, securing a 3–1 away victory that puts them in a strong position ahead of the return leg. The Croatian side won the opening set 25–21, demonstrating greater efficiency during the decisive rallies and maintaining control despite sustained pressure from the Cypriot champions.
Pafiakos responded by winning the second set 25–21, taking advantage of improved defensive organisation and more effective attacking play. However, Mladost regained their composure in the third set, which they also won 25–21, before surviving a tense fourth set to complete a 25–23 victory. The closely contested encounter lasted 113 minutes, with both teams producing extended rallies and competitive exchanges throughout the match.
Experienced opposite hitter Leo Andrić played an important role in the victory, finishing with 19 points, while Alen Pokeršnik contributed 18 and Sven Jakopec added 13. Jakopec was particularly effective at the net, recording five successful blocks and providing valuable defensive stability. For the home side, Nikolaos Eleftheriou was the match's leading scorer with 22 points, but his performance was not enough to prevent Mladost from securing the win.
Following the match, Mladost setter Tsimafei Zhukouski praised his teammates for their determination and acknowledged the quality of the opposition. He emphasised that the encounter had been decided by small details, with both sides displaying strong defensive commitment and serving pressure. The result gives Mladost a valuable advantage, although the Croatian champions will need another focused performance to secure progression.
Mladost Women Face Difficult Comeback Against Turan
The women's team experienced a more difficult opening encounter, suffering a straight-sets defeat against Turan Tovuz in Azerbaijan. The hosts secured a 3–0 victory with set scores of 25–20, 25–16 and 25–16, demonstrating the quality and experience of a squad strengthened by several international players.
Mladost began the opening set competitively and remained close to their opponents during the early exchanges. However, Turan improved their attacking efficiency towards the end of the set and gradually established control. The Azerbaijani champions maintained their momentum throughout the following two sets, combining consistent serving with effective defensive organisation to prevent the Croatian visitors from mounting a sustained comeback.
Before the encounter, Croatian international and Mladost middle blocker Mirta Freund had acknowledged that Turan represented a demanding opponent. She highlighted the Azerbaijani team's international experience and extensive preparations, including training camps in Italy and Turkey, but expressed confidence in Mladost's own preparation. Freund also emphasised the importance of playing the return fixture in Zagreb, where the Croatian side would have an opportunity to respond in familiar surroundings.
The defeat means Mladost's women must produce a significantly stronger performance in the second leg to keep their Champions League ambitions alive. The team will need to improve its attacking consistency, minimise unforced errors and demonstrate greater resilience during important stages of each set. Although the first-leg result leaves Turan with a clear advantage, the Croatian champions will be determined to deliver a more competitive performance in front of their home supporters.
Zagreb Set for European Volleyball Double-Header
Both Mladost teams will return to European action at Dom odbojke in Zagreb on October 29, with the men's match scheduled for 5 p.m. and the women's encounter beginning at 8 p.m. The double-header offers Croatian volleyball supporters an opportunity to watch two important continental qualification matches in one evening.
For the men's team, the objective will be to build on their encouraging result in Cyprus and avoid giving Pafiakos an opportunity to force a comeback. Mladost have already demonstrated that they can compete successfully against the Cypriot champions, but their narrow victories in individual sets indicate that the return fixture could still provide a demanding challenge.
The women's squad face a considerably more difficult task after their straight-sets defeat in Azerbaijan. However, playing at home could provide additional motivation for a team that has started the domestic season impressively. Coach and players will be hoping that improved serving, more effective reception and stronger attacking execution can help them challenge Turan more consistently.
The Champions League qualifiers also represent an important opportunity for Croatian volleyball to strengthen its presence in European club competition. Mladost have traditionally played a central role in the development of the sport in Croatia, and regular participation in continental tournaments provides valuable experience for both established internationals and younger players.
With one team carrying a valuable away victory and the other preparing for a demanding comeback, Mladost's European ambitions remain very much in focus. The return fixtures in Zagreb will determine whether the Croatian club can take another step towards competing among Europe's leading volleyball teams.
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