Greenyard Maaseik under guidance of new coach cause sensation upsetting Ziraat Ankara in Pool B

The 5th Leg of the CEV Champions League Volley 2022 - Men has begun in full swing on Tuesday night with as many as four games played across Europe. The clash between VC Greenyard MAASEIK and Ziraat Bankasi ANKARA at Steengoed Arena MAASEIK in Pool B turned into a fascinating  five-set battle which ended with sensational win of the home side. The Belgian team under guidance of new head coach - Fulvio Bertinit who recently replaced Joel Banks and with new setter Renet Vanker (MVP of this match) impressed Volleyball fans, as before this match Maaseik didn't win even a single set, earning now their first win in this edition of the Champions League and putting in trouble ranked 2nd in Pool B Ziraat Bankasi Ankara. The Turkish team aim to qualify to the next stage, but with two defeats their situation becomes more complicated. They keep the 2nd place in the standings behind still unbeaten Dinamo Moscow. Maaseik is currently placed 3rd with one win and three losses, having postponed 3rd Leg game against Projekt Warszawa to be played on February 15.

VC Greenyard MASSEIK vs Ziraat Bankasi ANKARA 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-13)

The game  started with 4-1 lead of Ziraat Bankasi Ankara, but this gap was quickly reduced by the hosts. Unexpectedly, the Belagian side from 11-11 scored four consecutive points and improved the score further reaching a six-point advantage at 20-14. Obviously, it was a result of team efforts, however Jolan Cox was in class of his own scoring unbelievable 9 points (4 aces, 5 kills with 67% of success in attack). After a fault serve of Wouter Ter Maat, Maaseik could celebrate their first set win in this edition of the Champions League.

The second set part turned into a fierce battle, both teams were extremely focused and tried to play their finest Volleyball delivering a passionate point-by-point race that lasted during entire set. However, in the decisive stage the hosts didn't manage to avoid small mistakes that cost them losing a set. Ziraat Banksi Ankara took a lead at 24-22 and after winning block from Atanasov (7 points in 2nd set) and Ertugrul they used their second chance to close the set.

Maaseik learned their lesson from the previous part and - like in the opener - they started to build advantage after lulling their opponent into a false sense of security. First, they earned two-point lead at 9-7, but they quickly raised it to four points mainly thanks to Cox along with Cirovic and great work on block. And although, Ziraat tried to chase them, but couldn't get any closer than to two points.    

The Turkish team was fully aware that they are already in trouble, so with full focus they opened the fourth set taking 11-6 lead. Even if the hosts shortened the distance to two points (11-9), Ziraat ran away with the score again at 15-10. Despite great efforts from the home side, the team under guidance of coach Santilli kept the margin of five points to have their first chance to close the set at 24-19. Greenyard Maaseik managed to deny three set ball, but the game was extended to tie-break.

There is no room for mistakes in tie-break, and both teams knew it. Exchanging hit for hit, they produced another fascinating point-by-point race. But being more successful on attack (53% to 35%) and playing very well on block, Maaseik was the one to take - first 13-11 lead and then improved it to 14-12 to have the first chance to close the match. Impressive spike from Atanasov helped Ziraat to deny first match ball, but once the second chance came Jan Martinez Franchi perfectly spiked against Turkish block and his team could celebrate their first win in this campaign.

Jolan Cox scored match-high 22 points, once Ankara's leader Martin Atanasov tallied 20. However, MVP award was handed to Maaseik's setter Renet Vanker. 23-year-old Estonian player came to Maaseik in January 2022 replacing injured Javad Karimi.