Azerbaijan's women's volleyball club Turan will make its historic debut in the CEV Champions League, beginning its European campaign in front of home supporters in Tovuz.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has published a special feature highlighting the Azerbaijani club's remarkable rise and preparations for its first appearance in Europe's premier club competition.
Founded in 2025, Turan won the Azerbaijani championship in its inaugural season, securing a place in the Champions League just a year after its establishment.
The club now faces its biggest challenge yet as it prepares to compete against some of Europe's leading volleyball teams.
Major squad overhaul ahead of European debut
According to CEV, Turan have made significant changes to their squad ahead of the new season.
Eleven players from last season's championship-winning team have departed, with 11 new signings brought in to strengthen the squad.
The extensive rebuilding means head coach Ziya Rajabov must establish chemistry among the newcomers while preparing the team for the demands of European competition.
Home arena expanded to accommodate more supporters
Preparations for Turan's historic debut have also included major improvements to the Tovuz Olympic Sports Complex.
Following three months of renovation work, the arena's seating capacity has increased from 700 to 1,500 spectators.
The expansion will allow more local supporters to attend Turan's Champions League home matches and create a stronger atmosphere for the team's European campaign.
Ambition to reach the league phase
Rajabov has made it clear that Turan's ambitions extend beyond simply participating in the competition.
The head coach aims to guide the Azerbaijani champions through the qualifying rounds and into the Champions League league phase.
To prepare for this challenge, Turan organized training camps abroad during the preseason.
Team captain and Azerbaijan international Ayshan Abdulazimova revealed that the squad had trained in Italy, Greece and Türkiye.
The overseas camps and friendly matches were designed to help the players adapt to the intensity and tactical demands of international competition.
Croatian champions await in opening clash
Turan will enter the Champions League in the second qualifying round, where they face Croatian champions Mladost Zagreb.
The first leg is scheduled for October 20 at 19:00 local time at the Tovuz Olympic Sports Complex.
The match will mark Turan's first-ever appearance in the Champions League, making it a landmark occasion for the club and volleyball in the Tovuz region.
The Azerbaijani champions will aim to progress over two legs against the Croatian side.
If Turan overcome Mladost, they will face the winners of the tie between Montenegro's Herceg Novi and Bulgaria's Maritsa in the third qualifying round.
Successfully navigating the qualifying stages would give Turan the opportunity to compete in the Champions League league phase against some of Europe's strongest women's volleyball clubs.
