Overview
- The Champions League draw in Luxembourg, which took place Wednesday, placed BR Volleys in a four-team group with Galatasaray Istanbul, Panathinaikos Athens and one qualifier.
- The Volleys announced Andrea Anastasi as their new head coach to strengthen their bid in Europe, with the club citing his international titles and coaching experience as the reason for the hire.
- CEO Kaweh Niroomand described the group as evenly matched and welcomed unfamiliar opponents, saying there is no clear favourite among the four teams.
- The competition format gives extra weight to every match because group winners go straight to the quarterfinals while group runners-up and the best third-placed team must play a playoff round to reach the last eight.
- The draw sets up a December group-stage start for Berlin with a home opener, continuing the club's 15th straight Champions League appearance after a group-stage exit last season and a best finish of third place in 2015.