Seven. Yes, seven clubs from the Lotto Volley League are active on the European stage this week. Belgian club volleyball is knocking loudly on Europe’s door. During the holiday period, Asterix Avo (women) and Knack Roeselare (men) already set the tone with a second consecutive BeNeCup victory. There was little time for rest between Christmas dinners and New Year receptions. No sooner had the champagne corks fallen silent than European fixtures were back on the agenda — with Maaseik immediately stealing the spotlight. Who will follow in their wake?

Greenyard Maaseik produced a major upset on Tuesday evening by eliminating Tourcoing, the top seed in their pool, in the round of 16 of the CEV Cup after overturning a 2–0 deficit. No small feat against the French Cup holders, who are strongly backed by their city and region and operate with a budget Maaseik usually only sees in spreadsheets. In the next round, Maaseik will face either Alanya (tenth in Turkey) or Novi Sad (sixth in Serbia), challenges that appear more manageable on paper.

On Wednesday evening, Lindemans Aalst host Baku at the Schotte Sports Centre in the Challenge Cup. Tectum Achel, meanwhile, welcome Hartberg once again to the Steengoed Arena in the CEV Cup. For both teams, the task is clear: winning two sets is enough to progress.

The women’s competition also features top-level clashes. It is no coincidence that the number one and two in the Belgian league are carrying the European torch. Asterix Avo, reigning champions and cup winners, face Neuchâtel tonight — a team with a strong American influence. A real test at the highest level.

Darta Bevo Roeselare take on Galatasaray Istanbul, featuring Belgian star Kaja Grobelna. The 31-year-old outside hitter began her career at Fixit Kalmthout, rose to prominence at Asterix Avo and then built an impressive international résumé: Stuttgart, Łódź, Busto Arsizio (CEV Cup winner), captain at Chieri with further European silverware, a stint in Japan and now a leading role at Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray alongside a host of top players. The seriousness with which Galatasaray approach this match is underlined by the fact that no interviews were allowed beforehand. From a communication standpoint: the calm before the storm?

In the Champions League, VHL Leuven welcome none other than Cucine Lube Civitanova, with Belgian middle blocker Wout D’Heer in their ranks. A true five-star matchup, featuring fan favourite Kukartsev, formerly of Knack, Bulgarian attacking machine Nikolov — top scorer at the World Championship — and libero Balaso, also named best in the world.

Finally, Knack Roeselare, current leaders in the Belgian league, host Bogdanka Lublin on Thursday. The 2025 Polish champions, last season’s Challenge Cup winners and currently fifth in the highly competitive PlusLiga, boast world-class players such as Sasak and Leon, respectively the best opposite and best outside hitter of the most recent Volleyball Nations League. The REO Arena is preparing for two consecutive nights of top-level volleyball: Galatasaray vs Bevo on Wednesday, Lublin vs Knack on Thursday.

Seven Belgian clubs in Europe — a strong result of years of steady development towards an ever-higher level.

Text: WV
Photo: CEV