SVG Lüneburg and Olympiacos Piraeus Shine in #CLVolleyM Play-Off Thrillers
Recap
The CEV Champions League play-off stage kicked off with two thrilling encounters. SVG Lüneburg triumphed over BERLIN Recycling Volleys in a dramatic 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 24-26, 27-25) victory, while Olympiacos Piraeus secured a 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 21-25, 23-25) win against SAINT-NAZAIRE VB Atlantique.
SVG Lüneburg vs. BERLIN Recycling Volleys
The match between SVG Lüneburg and BERLIN Recycling Volleys was an instant classic, showcasing high-level volleyball from start to finish. Lüneburg started strong, taking the first set 25-19, with dominant serves and well-coordinated attacks. However, BERLIN Recycling Volleys responded in the second set with better defensive play and powerful spikes, narrowly edging out a 25-23 win to level the match.
The third set was a tight contest, with both teams exchanging points in a fast-paced battle. Lüneburg managed to claim the set 25-23, capitalizing on unforced errors by BERLIN. In the fourth set, BERLIN fought back, surviving multiple match points and securing a 26-24 victory to push the game into a decisive fifth set.
The final set was an extraordinary display of determination, with both teams refusing to give in. Lüneburg held their nerves in the crucial moments, finally sealing a dramatic 27-25 victory. Xander Wolf Wassenaar Ketrzynski was instrumental, delivering 22 points and making the difference for his team.
Ruben Schott"It was incredibly tough today, so despite the defeat I'm proud of how we all fought and fought together as a team. The game itself was a real fight. Lüneburg fended off umpteen balls again and also kept our block actions alive. What we lacked to win was a better attacking game. We simply didn't capitalise enough. The starting position hasn't changed much. We're travelling back to Berlin and have to win the game, just like before. The two sets could still be important."
Player of BERLIN Recycling Volleys
SAINT-NAZAIRE VB Atlantique vs. Olympiacos Piraeus
SAINT-NAZAIRE VB Atlantique started strongly against Olympiacos Piraeus, taking the first set 25-20 thanks to an aggressive attacking approach and solid blocking. However, Olympiacos adjusted their strategy in the second set, improving their reception and minimizing errors. Led by Aleksandar Atanasijević, they took control and won the set 25-20 to equalize the match.
Olympiacos maintained momentum in the third set, executing precise attacks and forcing SAINT-NAZAIRE into mistakes. Their superior net play and defensive resilience helped them clinch the set 25-21. The fourth set was a thrilling contest, with SAINT-NAZAIRE pushing hard to stay in the game. Despite their efforts, Olympiacos remained composed under pressure, securing the set 25-23 and claiming a 3-1 victory. Atanasijević was the standout performer, scoring 19 points and guiding his team to a crucial away win.
The Road to the Quarter-Finals
With the first-leg matches complete, attention now turns to the return fixtures in two weeks. BERLIN Recycling Volleys will have the home advantage, while SAINT-NAZAIRE VB Atlantique will have to fight strong in the opponent's home. Meanwhile, SVG Lüneburg and Olympiacos Piraeus will aim to build on their wins and secure a spot in the Quarter-Finals of #CLVolleyM.