Halkbank and Olympiacos Triumph in Thrilling CEV Champions League Quarter-Final Clashes
Recap
The first leg of the men's CEV Champions League Quarter-Finals continued today with two thrilling encounters, showcasing high-level volleyball and intense battles for a spot in the semi-finals. In the first match, Halkbank ANKARA faced PGE Projekt WARSZAWA, delivering a strong performance to claim a 3-1 victory (25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 25-18). Later in the day, Olympiacos PIRAEUS and JSW JASTRZĘBSKI Węgiel went head-to-head in a gripping five-set contest, where Olympiacos staged a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 25-14, 25-20, 15-12).
Halkbank ANKARA vs PGE Projekt WARSZAWA
The match began with a strong start from Halkbank, who took the first set 25-20. Their efficient attacking and solid defense at the net gave them an early advantage. However, WARSZAWA responded well in the second set, improving their blocking and serving to take a close 25-22 victory and level the match at 1-1.
Despite WARSZAWA’s resistance, Halkbank regained control in the third set, dominating with a commanding 25-15 win. The Turkish team maintained their momentum in the fourth set, sealing the victory with a 25-18 scoreline. Their consistency in both attack and defense proved to be the deciding factor in securing the win.
Halkbank showcased a strong defensive presence at the net, registering a total of 12 kill blocks, twice as many as WARSZAWA, who managed only six. Additionally, Halkbank was more efficient in their service game, scoring seven aces compared to WARSZAWA’s two.
One of the standout aspects of Halkbank’s performance was their offensive efficiency, led by the match’s MVP, Yoandy Leal Hildalgo. He delivered an outstanding performance, registering 19 winning spikes, an impressive 70% spike success rate, and three aces. His contributions were crucial in Halkbank’s victory, as he consistently found ways to break through WARSZAWA’s defensive line.
He also played a key role in orchestrating the team’s attack, distributing the ball effectively and keeping WARSZAWA’s blockers guessing throughout the match. Meanwhile, WARSZAWA struggled to maintain the same level of attacking efficiency, with their errors in crucial moments allowing Halkbank to gain control.
Olympiacos PIRAEUS vs JSW JASTRZĘBSKI Węgiel
Jastrzębski started the match in dominant fashion, taking control in the opening two sets with scores of 25-20 and 25-21. Their aggressive attack and well-organized defense forced Olympiacos onto the back foot, leaving the Greek side in a tough position.
However, Olympiacos responded emphatically in the third set, delivering a near-flawless performance to win 25-14. Their momentum continued into the fourth set, where they capitalized on Jastrzębski's errors and secured a 25-20 victory to force a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, both teams battled fiercely for every point, but Olympiacos displayed greater composure in the crucial moments. A strong defensive effort and clinical finishing secured a 15-12 triumph, completing a stunning comeback and sealing the match in their favor.
Olympiacos proved to be superior at the net, recording 11 kill blocks compared to Jastrzębski’s seven. The Greek side also dominated from the service line, registering eight aces against their opponent’s three.
The standout performer of the match was Olympiacos’ John Gordon Perrin, who was named MVP for his remarkable contributions. Perrin recorded 21 winning spikes, an impressive 58 % spike success rate, and two aces.
Dragan Travica"Truly something incredible, something that will stay in our minds forever. But it will certainly stay in all of our hearts as well. We are an amazing team, both on and off the court, along with everyone who works for us every day. It was a unique night, where we played against one of the best teams in the world. We gave our best throughout the game and at every point in the game. We feel very proud."
Player of Olympiacos PIRAEUS