Poland is very close to going to Turin with two representatives, because in the most uncertain quarter-final, the Polish derby between Warsaw and Lublin, real drama is expected in the second leg.
Warsaw's first act – Lublin finally showed its weaknesses
The knockout phase was supposed to start, with a Polish derby to be played in the quarterfinals, and Lublin to suffer its first defeat of the season.
Warsaw defeated Lublin 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 26-24, 25-20) in a packed Torvar Arena and took a step towards reaching the final four. However, no one, not even in the camp of the team from the Polish capital, believes that the job is done – everything will explode in the second leg.
"This is just the first step. We are satisfied, but we are already thinking about the second match. I love games like this, a full stadium and pressure - that's when it's the best to play," said Kevin Tilly, who led Warsaw in the final.
The host opened the match well, with a dominant serve. Bartosz Bednorz which brought early leadership. Although Lublin, led by Wilfred Leon i Mateusz Malinowski managed to respond and equalize in sets, Warsaw showed more composure in key moments of the third and fourth sets.
Bednorz was the most efficient with 21 points, while Tilly scored 16 and took home the MVP award. They also had double-digit performances. Bartosz Gomulka with 15 points, while against Lublin he showed the most Downstream Heno at 19.
"We didn't open the match well and had problems receiving. It's a shame about the third set, but we still have a chance – we have to win at home and take the golden set," said Lublin captain Marcin Komenda.
Perugia singing from the Canary Islands
Perugia was afraid of a long-distance away trip to the Canary Islands, the match showed that it was for a reason, but despite everything, victory came, the 11th consecutive victory for the European champion – 3:2 (25:23, 25:19, 21:25, 23:25, 15:13).
The Italians already have one foot in the final four, as Las Palmas is not as unpleasant away as at home, but they will have to wait for the second leg, which will be played on April 1st.
The Italians started fantastically, with a confident game and rhythm control led by Simone Djaneli, while they My Guardian Ben Tara i Kamil Semenjuk were in charge of points and execution. However, the home team did not give up – with an excellent Osmania Huantoren and a stable block, Las Palmas managed to tie the game at 2:2.
In the decisive fifth set, the Italians were calmer and took advantage of key points, with Ben Tara closing the match with a final score of 15:13.
Ben Tara was the most efficient with 28 points, while Oleh Plotnitski added 20. The MVP award went to Semenyuk (13). Francisco Valison Bezera Souza stood out for the home team with 20 points.
Zirat Banka looks towards the final four
And Zirat Bank from Ankara is already one step closer to the final four, after a victory in Poland against Rešovija – 3:0 (25:21, 25:23, 25:20).
In front of around 4,200 spectators in the Podpromje hall, the Turkish team imposed the rhythm from the start with their serve and confident attack. The home team tried to counter, with good play. Yasin Luatia i Karola Butrina, especially in the second set which was the most uncertain, but Ankara was calmer in key moments.
In the finals of the sets, they stood out Trevor Kleveno i Nimir Abdel-Aziz, while Tomaš Fornal made an important contribution in the third set, when Ankara completely controlled the game.
Kleveno was named MVP of the match with 11 points, the same as Abdel-Aziz, while Fornal added 10. For the home team, Luati was the most efficient with 13 points, and Butrin scored 11.
"We played a very good match, with great energy. We know how difficult it is to win here, so 3:0 is a great result. However, this is only half the battle and we have to be ready for the rematch," said Kleveno.
Conspiracy took off from Macerata – landing in Turin?
Lube Ćivitanova suffered a convincing defeat on her home court against last year's finalist Zavjerće – 0:3 (22:25, 16:25, 29:31), so she faces a difficult mission in the rematch.
The Polish team dominated from the start in Macerata, in front of around 2,800 spectators in the "Eurosuole Forum", appearing more confident and organized, quickly gaining an advantage thanks to their serves. Jurija GladirThe locals tried to Aleksandra Nikolova, but numerous errors, especially on serve, cost them dearly. Zavreće dominated in attack and reception, and the key points were brought by Mateusz Bjenjek i Bartholomew Bolongz.
The third set brought a real thriller, Ćivitanova had several set points, but failed to convert them, so Zavjerće celebrated 31:29 after a dramatic finale and achieved the maximum victory.
The MVP of the match was Migel Tavares, who led his team's game. The most efficient player for the home team was Nikolov with 17 points, while for the winner Eron Russell enrolled 12.
"We are very satisfied - we played solidly in all elements and this is a big win, especially away. However, nothing is over yet," said Tavares.
From the ranks of Ćivitan, they say there is no surrender:
"We didn't play at our level, especially on serve, but we're going into the second leg without pressure and with the belief that we can do much better," said Nikolov.
Results
Warsaw – Lublin 3:1 Project
Las Palmas – Peru 2:3
Rešovija – Zirat Bank 0:3
Lube Civitanova 0:3
Rematch on April 1st and 2nd
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