Crvena Zvezda Wins its Champions League Match in 60 Minutes

Serbia's Crvena Zvezda defeated Finnish champion Polkky Kuusamo 3:0 (25:11, 25:19, 25:12), in the first preliminary round of the CEV Champions League Volley 2023. The match which tool place in the Sports Center Vozdovac in Banjica lasted exactly 60 minutes.

As early as the first set, it was clear red-and-whites were going to have a better evening than the champion of Finland, which has four American and one Brazilian players in their roster. With a high quality game, without a single mistake, Belgrade made quick work of their opponent, who remained on 11 points.

In the second set, the strongest resistance was seen from Kuusamo. Crvena zvezda led 13:6 with a solid block and defense, but the ending was unexpectedly dramatic.

Polkky hit back with a great defense and, with some Crvena zvezda errors, came within a point of trailing 19:18. That forced Ratko Pavlicevic to call a second time-out, after which Zvezda took matters into its own hands again. With three points from the block, the Serbians escaped the drama, ending the set at 25:19.

From the beginning of the third set, Ratko Pavlicevic's team was in control of the situation on the court. Great service, creating a lot of problems for the guests, the scoreboard showing 15:4. By the end of it, Polkky had managed only 12 points.

Red Star's Ana Živojinovic scored 14 points, Jelena Stojić added 12 and Adela Helić 11.For the away team, American Breanna Runnels scored 10 points.

Ana Zivojinovic, the match MVP, admitted to reporters that she did not expect such a convincing victory for her team.

The rematch between Polkky and Crvena Zvezda will take place on Tuesday, 25th October at 5pm CET in Rovaniemi.