Defending #CLVolleyM champions of Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA gave one set to the French TOURS VB in the opening match of the second tournament in Pool B, and with the 3-1 victory, secure their place at the Quarterfinals of Europe's elite competition. With 5 wins out of 5 matches so far, Lube can enjoy proceeding ahead in the competition. Even though they had started worse and had let their opponents open, CIVITANOVA got back on their feet very quickly in the second set, and took the complete control of the match. Excellent performance on block and attack sealed the deal for the Italian powerhouse, and they continue topping the charts in Pool B.

• The French team started slightly better on attack, while Civitanova let some unforced errors affect their game.
• The reigning #CLVolleyM champions from Italy reacted quickly in the next part. They stole the show in the beginning of the second set, but with the action unfolding, TOURS VB also got back on their feet, getting closer in the score. Robertlandy Simon&co remained more concentrated on the net in these moments and emerging victorious, tied the set score.
• In the third set, the players around head coach Ferdinando de Giorgi performed slightly better on attack, and deservedly took the lead at 2-1.
• TOURS VB continued on trying their luck in attack, and were successful in many occasions. However, in the fourth set, CIVITANOVA completely outclassed the French side on block and at the serving line (4 blocks and 4 aces in this part). Better overall performance on these two elements were the key to the success for the Italians (10 blocks and 9 aces in total).
• CIVITANOVA finished with 54% efficiency in attack, while TOURS VB might want to pay some more attention on reception, finishing the match with 11% reception errors.
Yoandy Leal Hidalgo became MVP of the match, scoring 16 points for Lube's victory. Osmany Juantorena also recorded 16 for his team's win. For TOURS VB, Zouheir El Graoui scored 14 times.

“It wasn't an easy match, we started on the wrong foot in the first set. Luckily, we could find our rhythm afterwards, we showed some patience and determination. Of course, we are very happy with the victory, which brings us closer to the next stage. Tomorrow, we face Perugia, and our aim is to maintain the first place in the group "
ANDREA MARCHISIO
Player of Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA

"We are very happy! We are closer to the next phase, but the match against Perugia will be very important to us, as we want to finish first in the Pool."
ROBERTLANDY SIMON
Player of Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA

"TOURS VB showed some great skills in the first set. On the other, we were able to find ourselves as the match was unfolding. We are happy that we played our game and took the three points".

Luciano De Cecco
Player of Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA

"We were performing at our highest level in the first set, we put pressure on Civitanova. After first set, we let many errors happen. I am anyway proud of my players who have played and fought against the great team of Lube“
Hubert Henno
Head coach of TOURS VB

On Wednesday, all eyes will be on the derby between Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA and Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA, starting at 18.00 CET.