Jastrzębski and Trentino triumph in the first round of the CLVolleyM semifinals

The electrifying quest for the spots in the SuperFinal of the CEV Champions League Volley 2024 - Men reached its decisive stage. On Wednesday night the first leg of the semifinals turned in favour of the local favourites - Trentino Itas and Jastrzębski Węgiel, who stunned Cucine Lube Civitanova and Ziraat Bank Ankara, respectively. However, the deciders are due to be played next week, when we will find out who will play for the trophy this year.

Jastrzębski Wegiel vs Ziraat Bank Ankara 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 30-28)

The 2023 SuperFinalists - Jastrzębski Węgiel aim high in this campaign, too. At Hala Widowiskowo-Sportowa Jastrzębie Zdrój they gave no chance to Ziraat Bank Ankara, who reached this stage of Europe's elite club competition for the first time. Jastrzębski, fueled by Jean Patry and Tomasz Fornal, outclassed their rivals in the first two sets. In the opener, the French opposite won 5 out of 5 attacks, once the next part was Tomasz Fornal's show - as the rising star of Poland, served 2 aces and in total contributed with 6 points (having 78% of positive receptions). After clear domination of the home favourites, Ziraat had nothing to lose and finally they managed to keep the pace with Jastrzębski. Wouter Ter Maat and Oreol Camejo scored 6 points apiece. The Turkish side had three set balls, but they didn't manage to extend the game. Fornal and Patry reached another level, winning 9 and 8 points, respectively.

They didn't make it easy choice, regarding the MVP award, but eventually it was handed to Patry, who completed the game with 20 points (3 aces, 2 blocks, 15 attacks - 60% success in this skill). Fornal, who celebrated tonight his 200th game in Jastrzebski's jersey - had one point less to his name (19 - 4 aces, 2 blocks, 13 attacks - 59% success in attack and 50% positive receptions). Wouter Ter Maat with 16 points was the top scorer of Ziraat.

Jastrzębski and Ziraat will lock horns once again next week in Ankara, however the Polish champions need only two sets to book their ticket to the SuperFinals. 

Trentino Itas vs Cucine Lube Civitanova 3-1 (25-17, 16-25, 25-18, 25-23)

At ilT quotidiano Arena in Trento, the crowd could enjoy the all-Italian derby. Trentino Itas and Cucine Lube Civitanova are definitely not strangers to each other, what was visible on the court. The game started with a tight point-by-point race, but the home favourites gained significant advantage in the second part of the set, thanks to perfectly balanced game led by Alessandro Acquarone, who was not afraid to distribute the balls to all his teammates. The second set seemed to be a sweet revenge from Lube. The guests led by young and powerful Aleksandar Nikolov - 8 points (71% success in attack) - dominated on the court, however didn't manage to continue it in the next sets. Trentino quickly shaken off and with Italian superduo Lavia - Michielleto they took control over the third part. In addition Trentino benefited from great efforts in block - Jan Kozamernik recorded 2 block stuffs out of his teams' 4. Lube was determined to extend the game, improving their block (this time 4 block stuffs on their side), however they didn't succeed despite a nail-biting battle. Nikolov scored 9 points, but the same digit was recorded by Michieletto who was strongly supported by Kamil Rychlicki (7 points), who sealed the deal serving an ace.

The MVP award went to Alessandro Michieletto, who tallied 23 points (4 aces, 1 block, 18 attacks - 56% success and 65% positive receptions). Once, Aleksandar Nikolov topped the scorers chart with 25 points.

The second and deciding game between Trentino and Lube will be played next week. Trentino, same as Jastrzębski, need to win two sets to progress to the SuperFinals.