Fino KAPOSVAR claim impressive victory over HARTBERG

The CEV XTB Champions League Volley 2027 Men returned to Hungary on Thursday evening as Fino KAPOSVAR hosted Austrian side TSV Raiffeisen HARTBERG in the second qualifying round, having progressed past OK Napredak ODŽAK in Round 1. Hungary’s national champions secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-18, 25-19). 

The match got off to a fiercely contested start, with both teams playing excellent Volleyball and neither side able to establish a significant lead. The hosts disputed several refereeing decisions in the opening set, but managed to stay focused as the score remained close heading into the closing stages. With the teams tied at 20-20, Gábor Bögöly delivered two consecutive aces, helping Fino take the lead and hold on to win the set 25-22.

Fino opened the second set with a 3-0 lead, but HARTBERG quickly turned things around to go 4-3 ahead. The hosts then regained control, building a lead of several points thanks to excellent blocking and effective attacking. Although TSV Raiffeisen managed to stay within touching distance, they were unable to mount another comeback (25-18).

Fino KAPOSVAR seized the initiative early in the third set, racing to a 7-3 lead. The hosts continued to attack with precision and produced several spectacular points. HARTBERG appeared increasingly frustrated and struggled to find a way back into the contest. In the end, Fino secured a more comfortable victory than expected, winning the match in straight sets, 3-0.

Fino’s American middle blocker Connor Alexander Campbell was named MVP after scoring 12 points, including five blocks. However, the hosts’ top scorer was fellow American opposite hitter Jacob Steele, who finished with 18 points. On the other side of the net, Đorđe Knežević led TSV Raiffeisen HARTBERG with 12 points. The second leg of the tie will take place next Tuesday in Austria.

Zoran Kedačić, head coach of Fino KAPOSVAR: “It is always great to win at home, and starting the tie with a 3-0 victory gives us a huge advantage. However, it can also be a little tricky. The match was much tougher than the score suggests. We played really well today, especially in serving, blocking and defence. The team stayed focused and executed our game plan brilliantly. I would especially like to congratulate Max [Grigoriev] and Connor [Campbell] on their outstanding blocking. I am really proud of the entire team. We have been working hard on these things in training, and it is great to see that work paying off on the court. This is exactly what I want to see as a coach. Everyone did an amazing job today.”

Markus Hirczy, head coach of TSV Raiffeisen HARTBERG: “I think we found our rhythm in serving during the first set, even more so than in the second and third sets. However, we gradually lost our game plan, and from that point on, things became difficult for us. Fino’s setter was consistently able to play the ball close to the net, and they kept putting pressure on us with very quick attacks to the outside. Our serving and reception were no longer working as we had planned, and that was one of the main reasons for our defeat. We had plenty of opportunities in the first set, and even in the second and third, but we were not able to maintain the same pressure throughout the sets. We will see what happens in Hartberg. One thing is certain: we will serve better at home. It will be a different match, a new game and a new opportunity for us.”