Azerbaijan's women's volleyball champions Turan have significantly improved their chances of reaching the CEV Champions League group stage after defeating Bulgaria's Maritsa in the first leg of the third qualifying round.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Turan head coach Ziya Rajabov expressed satisfaction with his team's performance and highlighted the importance of their preparations ahead of the crucial European encounter.
Speaking to Report.az, the coach explained that the decision not to return to Baku following the second qualifying round against Croatia's Mladost had proved beneficial.
"The time difference, the long journey and having to change flights twice left us exhausted during our trip to Croatia. We were originally scheduled to play at home on November 5, but instead of returning to Baku and immediately travelling back to Europe, we decided it would be better to stay there," Rajabov said.
"Since our opponents were also returning from an away trip, we accepted the proposal to play the first leg in Bulgaria. They provided us with the necessary training facilities and other arrangements. Staying in Europe helped us recover and prepare properly."
The Azerbaijani coach also discussed the strength of Maritsa and the personnel problems his team faced before the match.
"Maritsa are a good team with young and tall players. Marta Drpa suffered an injury in our last match against the Croatian side, while Vilma Salas was unable to join the squad because of visa problems," he explained.
"Despite these difficulties, I want to congratulate our players for showing great character. We analyzed Maritsa immediately after the match against Mladost, and our players followed all the tactical instructions."
Rajabov emphasized that his team must now complete the job in front of their home supporters.
"We have already completed the away leg. We are just one step away from reaching the group stage. The players will have a day off on November 5, and we will resume training on November 6," he said.
"On November 10, we will try to achieve another positive result in Tovuz, in front of our own fans."
Turan secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Maritsa in Bulgaria on November 3, winning the sets 25-22, 25-22 and 25-20.
The return leg will take place in Tovuz on November 10, with the Azerbaijani champions aiming to secure a place in the CEV Champions League group stage.
