The contrasting results reflected the different challenges facing the two Croatian squads. Toni Kovačević's men's team entered the return leg with an advantage after winning 3–1 in Cyprus and demonstrated enough quality to repeat that result in Zagreb. Riccardo Boieri's women's team, meanwhile, needed a convincing victory after losing the opening encounter in Azerbaijan in straight sets. Although they pushed their experienced opponents to the limit, they were unable to complete the comeback.
For Mladost, the evening underlined both the club's ambitions and the demanding nature of European volleyball. The men's squad will now face Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia, while the women's team must turn their attention to a new continental challenge against Romanian side Dinamo București in the CEV Cup.
Mladost Men Overcome Difficult Start Against Pafiakos
Mladost's men's team endured a frustrating opening set as Pafiakos demonstrated their determination to overturn the first-leg deficit. The Cypriot visitors established an early advantage and maintained control during much of the period, forcing the hosts into several mistakes in attack and on serve. Although Mladost briefly moved ahead 18–16 following a three-point run, they were unable to maintain that momentum. The teams were level at 21–21 before Pafiakos claimed four consecutive points to take the set 25–21.
The setback forced the Croatian champions to increase their intensity, particularly in serving and reception. Their response was evident during the second set, when improved organisation allowed them to establish a 9–6 advantage after winning four consecutive points. Pafiakos remained competitive and recovered from an 18–14 deficit to level the score at 19–19, but Mladost maintained greater composure during the closing exchanges and secured the set 25–22.
With the match level, the third set proved decisive. Mladost increased their attacking pressure and produced a commanding performance, racing to a 16–6 advantage as the visitors struggled to respond. Ivan Zeljković became increasingly influential, contributing several important points and helping the hosts take the set 25–17. The Croatian side's improved blocking and attacking efficiency reflected a clear shift in momentum after the difficult opening period.
By the fourth set, Mladost had established complete control. The home team moved ahead early and never allowed Pafiakos to take the lead, maintaining their advantage through disciplined attacking play and effective defensive positioning. The Cypriot side attempted to introduce fresh energy from the bench, but the hosts remained composed and closed out the set 25–19 to complete a 3–1 victory after 105 minutes.
The result confirmed Mladost's superiority across the two-legged tie, with the Croatian champions winning both matches by identical 3–1 scorelines. Although Pafiakos had created problems during the opening stages, Mladost demonstrated the ability to respond tactically, reduce errors and take control when qualification was at stake.
Zeljković Named MVP as Pokeršnik Leads the Scoring
Jan Pokeršnik finished as Mladost's leading scorer with 21 points, producing a consistent attacking performance that helped the Croatian champions overcome their early difficulties. Ivan Zeljković added 17 points and was named the match's Most Valuable Player, recognising his influential contribution during the decisive stages. For Pafiakos, Nikolaos Eleftheriou led the scoring with 15 points.
Mladost's improved performance was also reflected in the statistics. The Zagreb side recorded 12 successful blocks compared with seven by Pafiakos, while holding advantages in attacking points, serving and reception efficiency. Although the Croatian champions committed slightly more errors, they compensated through greater effectiveness in important rallies and stronger organisation as the encounter progressed.
Following the match, Zeljković praised captain Tsimafei Zhukouski for playing through injury during both encounters against the Cypriot side. He acknowledged that Mladost had started nervously and struggled to perform at their usual level, but believed the team's improved serving and defensive organisation had transformed the contest.
Zeljković also emphasised that qualification was only the beginning of another demanding period. With domestic league commitments continuing and Levski Sofia awaiting in the next qualifying round, the Croatian champions will need to maintain their intensity while managing the physical demands of a busy schedule.
Pafiakos middle blocker Borja Ruiz acknowledged that Mladost had deserved the victory, pointing to the Croatian team's stronger performance on home territory. His assessment reflected the visitors' inability to sustain the level that had helped them win the opening set, particularly once Mladost improved their serving and attacking consistency.
Mladost Women Push Turan to the Limit
While the men's team celebrated progression, Mladost's women's squad came agonisingly close to producing a remarkable comeback against Turan Tovuz. Having suffered a 3–0 defeat in Azerbaijan, Boieri's players needed to win the return encounter and then a Golden Set to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Instead, they were involved in an extraordinary five-set battle that ultimately ended in disappointment.
The opening set illustrated the challenge facing the Croatian champions. Turan remained competitive from the beginning and gradually established control after the score reached 9–9. The visitors extended their advantage to 21–14, seemingly placing the set beyond Mladost's reach, but the home team responded with five consecutive points to create a tense finish. Despite the comeback, Turan held on to win 25–22.
Mladost produced a much stronger performance in the second set, controlling large periods through improved attacking execution and defensive discipline. The hosts remained composed when the score reached 20–20, winning five of the next six points to secure a 25–21 victory and level the match at one set apiece.
The third set developed into another closely contested battle, with both teams demonstrating impressive technical quality and determination. Turan maintained a narrow advantage through much of the period and moved ahead 19–16 after the teams had been level at 16–16. Although Mladost continued fighting and reduced the deficit late in the set, the visitors held on to claim it 25–23, restoring their lead in the match.
Facing elimination, Mladost responded with another determined performance in the fourth set. The home team established a 20–15 advantage before Turan mounted a comeback, eventually levelling the score at 23–23. However, the Croatian champions showed exceptional composure in the decisive rallies, claiming the next two points to win 25–23 and force a fifth set.
The deciding set provided another dramatic conclusion. Turan opened with a 2–0 lead, but Mladost responded by winning four consecutive points and later held an 8–7 advantage at the change of ends. With the home supporters hoping for a remarkable turnaround, the visitors drew on their experience and greater squad depth to regain control. Inspired by Cuban attacker Wilma Rosell Salas, Turan produced an important scoring run to move 12–9 ahead before Marta Drpa delivered the final attack to secure a 15–13 victory.
The defeat was particularly painful because Mladost had demonstrated enough quality to challenge their opponents throughout the encounter. After struggling in the first leg, the Croatian side produced a substantially stronger display in Zagreb and came within two points of forcing the Golden Set that could have extended their Champions League campaign.
Owino's 29 Points Highlight Mladost's Fighting Spirit
Pamella Owino was the standout performer for Mladost, finishing with an impressive 29 points and providing the team's most consistent attacking threat. Her performance was particularly important during the second and fourth sets, when the Croatian champions repeatedly found themselves needing important points to remain competitive.
Konstantina Vlachaki also contributed valuable attacking support, finishing with 16 points, while other members of the squad helped maintain the defensive intensity that allowed Mladost to remain competitive against an experienced opponent. The hosts recorded 13 successful blocks compared with Turan's nine and also held a narrow advantage in reception efficiency.
For Turan, Yelizaveta Ruban was named MVP after scoring 23 points, while Marta Drpa added 20. Their contributions, combined with the late influence of Rosell Salas, proved decisive during the fifth set.
Despite the defeat, Mladost setter Ana Prkačin expressed pride in her teammates and the performance they had delivered. She acknowledged the disappointment of missing the opportunity to force a Golden Set but emphasised that the team had demonstrated its true quality against strong opposition. Prkačin also highlighted the importance of maintaining that level as Mladost prepare to continue their European campaign in the CEV Cup.
Her assessment reflected the encouraging aspects of the performance. Although Mladost were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers, their ability to recover repeatedly, defend effectively and compete until the final point provided evidence of a team capable of challenging strong European opponents.
Levski Sofia and Dinamo București Await
The results have created two different European paths for HAOK Mladost. The men's team will continue in the CEV Champions League qualifying competition, where they face Bulgarian side Levski Sofia in the next round. Their performances against Pafiakos demonstrated that they possess the attacking quality and defensive organisation required to compete successfully at this level, although the upcoming opponents will provide another demanding test.
Kovačević's squad must also balance European commitments with domestic league matches, making physical preparation and squad management important factors during the coming weeks. The coach will be encouraged by the team's ability to recover from a poor opening set but will also recognise that similar lapses against stronger opponents could prove costly.
The women's squad will move into the CEV Cup, where they are scheduled to face Dinamo București towards the end of November. Although their Champions League ambitions have ended, the competition offers another opportunity to gain international experience and pursue European success.
For Boieri and his players, the performance against Turan provides a useful foundation for the next stage. The Croatian champions demonstrated improved attacking consistency, greater defensive resilience and the ability to compete against an internationally experienced team. Reproducing those qualities across consecutive matches will be essential if they hope to progress further in the CEV Cup.
The results also underline the importance of Mladost's continued involvement in European club volleyball. Competing against international opponents offers valuable experience for Croatian players, exposes teams to different tactical approaches and strengthens the country's presence in continental competitions.
Mladost's European double-header produced contrasting emotions but highlighted the competitive potential of both squads. The men's team demonstrated resilience and quality to eliminate Pafiakos, while the women's side came painfully close to an upset against Turan Tovuz. With the Champions League qualifiers continuing for one team and the CEV Cup awaiting the other, both Mladost squads still have important European challenges ahead.
More from the newsroom →