The hosts brushed aside Germany 25-20, 25-18, 25-21 in their quarter-final at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Azerbaijan had dropped only one set in the pool stage which was to the Germans and, despite yet another slow start, they once again had the upper hand in their second meeting of the tournament.

It is the first time Azerbaijan have made it through to the last four since their debut in the competition back in 2005.

"After 12 years we have made it again to a European Championship semi-final," said Valeriya Mammadova.

"After celebrating a victory against Germany, we can start thinking about the medals.

"This quarter-final was very difficult, Germany showed good volleyball but they could not stop us in the end.”

Turkey complete the semi-final line-up as they eliminated the reigning champions without dropping a set.

They thrashed Russia to pick up a 27-25, 25-18, 25-20 win over the 2013 and 2015 gold medallists. 

Turkey are aiming to win a third European Championships medal in their history after taking silver in 2003 on home soil and bronze in 2011 in Belgrade.

“It’s an amazing result because we respect Russia a lot," said Turkey captain Eda Erdem Dündar.

"They are a great team.

"We won 3-0 and are very happy but now we have to face Serbia, so we have to quickly forget this victory and focus on the next match.” 

Action continues tomorrow with both semi-finals.

Azerbaijan play The Netherlands while Serbia meet Turkey.