Halkbank Ankara Hoping for a Return to the Final. Jastrzebski Wegiel Looking for their First
Preview
These two teams have surprised many with the level of their performances on the court this season, showing consistency, belief and strength when things might have gotten a bit harder. However, now that they are in the semifinals of the CEV champions League Volleyball, nobody can doubt that they thoroughly deserve to be here, among Europe’s best four teams.
The shared history between Halkbank Ankara and Jastrzebski Wegiel includes five previous encounters, including a fierce battle in the Final Four of the competition in 2014, hosted by Ankara, won by the Turkish side.
Almost 10 years later, Halkbank now has the chance to reach the Final for the second time and to do so, they have to overcome the same opponent. On the other side of the net, Jastrzebski is well experience at a high level in the Champions League, being in the semifinals for the fourth time, failing however to take the next step every time.
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For the Turkish side, Nimir Abdel-Aziz has been outstanding, leading the team in points scored (168 – third most). The Dutch star is on a quest of his own, to win the trophy after two previous failed attempts with Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo (2013) and Trentino Itas (2021).
For the Polish side, Stephen Boyer has been the one to catch everyone’s eye, however every player in that squad is expected to bring a solid contribution every time they step out on the court.
With Halkbank dominating on home court this season with the help of their enthusiastic fans, Jastrzebski will do well if they are to push this first match into a 4th or even 5th set before going to Poland for the return match.