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Zaporozhye as the home team in Belgium

As a result of the volatile situation in Ukraine, Zaporozhye and Charleroi will play both of their CEV Cup first round matches in Belgium. The home court might turn out to be the key, Charleroi seem to have more international experience, but the final decision will be made tomorrow

CEV

Zaporozhye from Ukraine and Charleroi from Belgium face each other in the CEV Cup first round today and tomorrow. On paper, Zaporozhye are the home team, but in reality, they will play two away matches. The volatile situation in Ukraine resulted in the decision to play both matches in Ukraine.

- We'll see what CEV will say, but we have no right to put our players' lives in danger - Charleroi's president Wauters said after they learned who the opponent in CEV Cup first round will be.

It's been decided that both matches will take place in Ukraine, which should be helpful for Charleroi to reach second round. They were the runner up in the Belgian championship last season, losing to Kieldrescht in the final. Charleroi's ambition is running high this season, with the championship title set as the main goal. They are top table on a 5-0 record for now, having beaten Gent recently in straight sets to prove this might be their season.

There were 6 player changes since last season. Hungarian Dobi and Oublie from France left the team, while three Spanish internationals joined (Perez Cebollada, Sanchez i Correa Esteban). Spanish community at Carleroi went up to five players and the coach now. 

- We're happy with Saurin. He's been doing very well, given out budget and I've decided that he is to stay in charge - Charleroi's president said ahead of the season.

They acquired Purchartova from the Czech Republic to help with blocking and now hope for a better European season. They were knocked out in the Chellenge Cup first round by Besiktas, the team that went on to win the title. The Belgian team did not win a single set in either of the matches.

Zaporozhye ended their last championship season as the third best team in Ukraine, which secured them a spot in CEV Cup once again. They got through to round 2 last season, beating Weert form the Netherlands in the first round to go on and lose to Fenerbahce in straight sets (both matches). Fenerbahce later won the title.

The team underwent no significant changes since last season. They might be a bit weaker since setter Bila and opposite Liutkova left, but receiver Klimenova joined. While they seem to be more inexperienced than the opponents, Zaporozhye's players are higher than Charleroi's. They are in the second position in the Ukrainian championship table, on a 7-3 record. They played the last matches last weekend and recorded two easy wins. The focus was completely shifted to these two European matches after those wins.