Düsseldorf Prepares for European Beach Volleyball Extravaganza: Women’s Pools E-H Under the Microscope

As the annual CEV EuroBeachVolley draws near, the vibrant city of Düsseldorf, Germany, is gearing up to host the continent`s elite beach volleyball teams. With the 33rd edition promising to be one of the most competitive yet, all eyes will be on the sandy courts of the Rochus Club.

This prestigious event, marking Germany`s fourth time as host and Düsseldorf`s debut, features a meticulously structured tournament. Thirty-two women`s teams have been divided into eight pools of four. The format ensures intense competition: pool winners earn a direct pass to the coveted Round of 16, while the second and third-placed teams must navigate the treacherous waters of the Round of 24. For fans eager to follow the action, the women`s pool play kicks off mid-week, with elimination rounds rapidly following to culminate in the medal matches on Sunday.

Dissecting the Draws: A Deep Dive into Pools E-H

Pool E: French Flair vs. Lithuanian Grit

In Pool E, the spotlight falls squarely on two Paris Olympic teams: France`s Clémence Vieira and Aline Chamereau, and Lithuania`s Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte. The French duo arrives in Düsseldorf with undeniable momentum, having recently clinched medals in consecutive Beach Pro Tour Challenge events. Their current form makes them strong contenders for the top spot, aiming for that direct ticket to the Round of 16.

The Lithuanians, known for their formidable chemistry and a towering blocker at the net, present a significant challenge. However, they`ll need to be at their absolute best to counter the French surge. Adding intrigue to the pool are Germany`s Linda Bock and Louisa Lippmann, a new partnership still finding its stride. While their journey together in 2025 has seen understandable inconsistencies, their recent second-place finish at the Stare Jablonki Challenge proved their potential. Meanwhile, the Pavelková twins from Czechia, reigning U22 European champions, represent the promising future of Czech beach volleyball. While their talent is undeniable, competing at this senior level might prove a steeper climb, but they certainly won`t be easily dismissed.

Pool F: The `Balanced` Battleground, or a Spanish Comeback Story?

Pool F has been lauded as perhaps the most balanced of all eight pools. A closer look, however, reveals a potential narrative twist centered around Spain`s Daniela Álvarez and Tania Moreno. As 2023 EuroBeachVolley silver medalists and Paris 2024 Olympians, they are, frankly, a tier above the rest in terms of raw talent and past achievements. Yet, a season plagued by injuries has left them struggling to find their rhythm. This creates a compelling dynamic: will their inherent class shine through, or will their recent struggles open the door for an upset?

Italy`s Scampoli and Bianchi, despite their relatively short time together, have shown promising flashes. Finland`s Ahtiainen and Lahti, a consistent presence on the international stage, bring experience, albeit with their own share of recent ups and downs. Rounding out this competitive quartet are Germany`s Hanna-Marie Schieder and Karla Borger. Borger, a two-time Olympian, is undoubtedly one of the most seasoned players in the event. However, her new partnership with Schieder is still very much a work in progress, yet to make significant waves beyond the Futures level. If the Spanish duo can overcome their physical hurdles, they should navigate this pool effectively. The remaining two spots, however, promise a fierce tussle, with the in-form Italians and the Germans, buoyed by home crowd support, appearing as strong contenders to advance.

Pool G: Ukrainian Ascent Meets French Resilience

Pool G introduces us to Ukraine`s Maryna Hladun and Tetiana Lazarenko, a team on a remarkable upward trajectory. With five Beach Pro Tour medals, including two Challenge golds in less than a year, their form is nothing short of exceptional. They arrive in Düsseldorf not just with aspirations of winning their pool, but with legitimate claims for a deep run into the semifinals.

Opposing them are France`s Lézana Placette and Alexia Richard, another Paris Olympic pair with considerable experience. While their pedigree is undeniable, 2025 has seen them falter, suffering some uncharacteristic losses. This dip in form could be the opening that the Netherlands` Noa Sonneville and Brecht Piersma are looking for. They`re a team still defining their identity, but their near-upset of the French last month in Poland hints at burgeoning potential. Completing the pool are Germany`s young duo, Janne Uhl and Paula Schürholz, who will undoubtedly benefit from the fervent home crowd support. While the Ukrainians are clear favorites for the pool, the battle for the second and third advancing spots could see an intriguing upset if the French cannot rediscover their confidence.

Pool H: German Dominance and the Battle for Second

Finally, in Pool H, we find the reigning EuroBeachVolley champions, Germany`s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann. Their mission: to defend their title on home soil. With their superior talent and extensive experience, it would take an upset of monumental proportions to prevent them from topping this pool. Expect them to assert their dominance from the very first serve, sending a clear message to the rest of the field.

The true intrigue in this pool lies in the race for the remaining qualification spots. Poland`s Malgorzata Ciezkowska and Urszula Lunio, the 2023 U20 European champions, have shown solid performances on the Beach Pro Tour and are strong candidates to secure second place. Lithuania`s Daniele Kvedaraite and Jekaterina Kovalskaja, after a strong 2024, have seen their form cool slightly this year. They will likely face a direct challenge from Spain`s Maria and Marta Carro, who are making their debut as a partnership in Düsseldorf. This promises a fascinating clash of styles: the established chemistry and experience of the Lithuanians versus the raw, individual talent of the Spanish sisters. While Müller and Tillmann are expected to cruise, the fight for third, and even second, will provide plenty of drama.

A Week of Unforgettable Beach Volleyball Awaits

From seasoned Olympians battling injuries to rising stars making their mark, EuroBeachVolley 2025 in Düsseldorf is poised to deliver a week of captivating beach volleyball. The pool play offers the first glimpse into which teams have truly hit their stride, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase. With every serve, spike, and dig, the journey to European supremacy will unfold, promising excitement, unexpected turns, and, ultimately, the crowning of new champions.