Grupa Azoty survive in five-sets thriller, Fenerbahce start on the right foot in the second tournament in Pool A

As expected, the clash between the Polish powerhouses of PGE Skra Belchatow and Grupa Azoty Kedzierzyn Kozle became Match of the day in Pool A. In a matchup that lasted 128 minutes, both teams were keeping the intrigue alive during all the time, constantly exchanging the lead. It seemed that Grupa Azoty were close to finish their winning strike of 19 victories in official matches this season so far. Instead, they continue on the winning path topping the charts in the Pool.

• The first set set the tone for an exciting match with both teams fighting for each ball and performing equally in the different components. Łukasz KACZMAREK and Aleksander ŚLIWKA of Grupa Azoty Kedzierzyn Kozle were topping the charts in these moments with 6 and 5 points, respectively. Thanks to slightly better performance on attack, the guests opened in their favour.

• Mateusz Bieniek of PGE Skra Belchatow on the serve made it difficult for Zaksa’s reception in the beginning of the second set. It was again a cat-and-mouse game but Zaksa let some errors on reception affect their game.

• The third set was unfolding the same way, with none of the teams willing to give up easily. Grupa Azoty emerged victorious thanks to slightly better performance on the serve and block.

• PGE Skra were storming out in the first minutes of the fourth set with 4 aces! This was enough to put some pressure on their opponents, and to bring the match into tiebreak. However, in the last part the heavy favourites in the Pool, Grupa Azoty left no chances to PGE Skral Belchatow.

• Both teams performed excellently on serve – PGE Skra Belchatow scored 10 aces, while Grupa Azoty recorded 7.

• Łukasz KACZMAREK of the winner’s team became Top Scorer with 21 points to his name.

• It was the first game for Taylor Lee Sander against Grupa Azoty ZAKSA, although both teams have met four times already before this season. The American outside spiker scored 16 points for his team.

On Tuesday, Fenerbahce HDI ISTANBUL needed only 69 minutes to seize a straight-sets victory over the underdog in Pool A Lindemans AALST. Currently third placed in the pool, the Turkish side controlled the game during all the match and didn’t let any surprises to affect their performances. The fans of the Belgian squad, however, expected maybe a tougher fight by their favourites after the five-setter against Fenerbahce in December.

• The team from Instanbul stared better in the match building a comfortable point difference in their favour. Salvador Hidalgo Oliva was topping the charts for his team in these moments. 3 aces were the key to the success in the first set.
• Matej Smidl of Lindemans was helping the most to his team in the first minutes of the next part. Fans following the match on EuroVolley.tv could see some equal game by both teams in these moments. However, the Turkish powerhouse found back their rhythm and with improved side-out, emerged victorious.
• Smidl again tried to turn things around for his team. The Belgians stood better on attack, but Fenerbahce pushed hard on the serve and on block. With no unforced errors, the Turkish side were getting closer to the victory. Nicholas Hoag with a great serve put the end of the discussion.
• Fenerbahce finished the match with 8 aces and 9 blocks.
• Salvador Hidalgo Oliva recorded 16 points for his team’s victory, becoming top scorer of the match. For Lidemans, Matej Smidl scored 11 times.
• The match on Tuesday was the first time since 2019 for Jakub Rybicki from Lindemans Aalst to play in Energia Hall in Bełchatów. Back then, he used to play for Cerrad Enea Czarni Radom. Rybicky added 8 points in the match vs Fenerbahce.