Kazan, Russia, November, 13, 2014. 2014 Champions League winner Dinamo KAZAN opens new edition of the world-class tournament hosting the team from the Czech Republic – Agel PROSTEJOV.

Just like everything that happens in the world, the upcoming match has its own unique prehistory, full of fantastic coincidences and consistent but boring trends. The volleyball players from the Czech town of Prostejov were the first team the Kazan club clashed with, playing barely the very first CL match ever. That historical day of November 30, 2011 made Tatars realize the gravity of the fight for the place in the standings of that all-Europe prestigious tournament. Arduous victory of 3:2 after five sets was a real CL admission exam for the young and ambitious team, paced up by famous Ekaterina Gamova. And the 'worldly-wise examiners’ from Agel PROSTEJOV club, at the time named Modranská Prostějov, playing fourth edition of the Champions League, gave the go-ahead for Dinamo KAZAN.

We all remember when in the 2011/12 season Kazan rookies literally galvanized the Champions League, having whirled in out of nowhere and took the third place. However, it was a long and challenging two-year journey to the CL summit the Tatarstan team reached in March 2014 in Azerbaijani Baku. And now, when the gold medals of the most prestigious European club tournament are sharing its place on the shelves with other honorary trophies, Kazan roster is facing a new ascent, and by a curious coincidence they will edge again with the Czech Agel. A new round of ascent begins. We hope that it will be shorter this time.

Obviously, teams’ compositions have changed almost completely over the past three years. As for Agel PROSTEJOV, probably only its eternal captain, Brazilian Solange Soares, remembers the five-set match in Kazan. We hope that before the match she will gladly shake hands with equally undisputed captain of Dinamo KAZAN Maria Borodakova. And, of course, just like in 2011, gorgeous and unsurpassed Ekaterina Gamova will shine at the Kazan volleyball arena. The rest of the guest team will clash with the Russian rivals for the first time.

Judging from the offseason transfer list, the Czech Club was tasked something that was ‘mission impossible’ for two previous straight seasons – to make it to the Champions League Playoffs. Four mercenaries joined Agel PROSTEJOV for this CL edition to reinforce the visiting squad. First of all, there are German national team players: middle blocker Stefanie Karg and setter Kathleen Weiss. Ana Bogdanovic from French FOC Terville and Cuban Liannes Simon, who began her career in Guantanamo, will also pace up Czechs attack in Kazan and throughout the season.

‘Blue Machine’ of Dinamo KAZAN of 2013/14 season has been much renewed. Kazan block is now guarded by Elena Yureva – former captain of OMICHKA, CL rookie of the previous year edition. She replaced Regina Moroz that left the team. Elena Yureva could be probably considered as heavy reinforcement in terms of quick hits option. The reception is strengthened by Bulgarian Eva Yaneva to back up Italian spiker Antonella Del Core. According to Eva’s ball reception statistics over the last few matches, she is undoubtedly equal substitute for American Jordan Larson. Two mercenaries will be assisted by another spiker, last year European Champion Victoria Chaplina that will electrify Kazan attack this season. And instead of agile, light-hearted and bright as sunbeam, Ekaterina ‘Kabi’ Ulanova, Dinamo KAZAN defense will be guarded by the duo of experienced libero Elena Ezhova and young Iulianna Abroskina. That ‘volleyball orchestra’ will be conducted by setter Eugeniya Startseva for the third year in a row.

After great victories and winning gold medals at every level from local to global, it is really vital to eagerly celebrate and thank oneself for pains it took since you spared no effort conquering all the trophies. Nonetheless, every new season is a brand new story when one has to forget about previous success and try one’s best putting all your heart and soul in winning new medals! As always playing best, playing spectacular.