As many as 600 spectators at the Dvorana Lukna in Maribor, Slovenia watched live the encounter between the local OK Merkur MARIBOR with the reigning CLVolleyM champions from Grupa Azoty KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE.

The hosts started off good, not leaving their famous opponents the chance to build a big point difference. After a close call (9-9), Norbert Huber shined with a spike and a block, helping his team to start taking slowly the leadership. Inspired, Grupa Azoty, led by Aleksander Sliwka (two blocks) and Krzysztof Rejno (one block) took things under control (16-12) and emerged victorious. The more effective performance on the block (four in total) sealed the deal for the guests in this set. 

The reigning CLVolleyM champs stormed out in the second set, proving far better on the block (six to zero) and aced as many as three times (to zero by the hosts. All three aces were recorded by Kamil Semeniuk, who turned out to be the man of the hour, making it really difficult for Maribor’s reception). The head coach of OK Merkur MARIBOR, Sebastijan Škorc tried different scenarios to turn things around, using his substitution players, but it didn’t lead to any success. 

The home side started inspired and motivated in the third set, taking the lead at 10-7. However, showing more focused game afterwards, the guests, again thanks to crucial performance on the serving line by Semeniuk, were able to tie the score (13-13). The defending champions took then the leadership, and despite the efforts by the home side to bring back the intrigue in the match, emerged victorious and congratulated themselves with the victory. 

With 16 points (8 winning spikes, 6 aces and 2 kill blocks) Semeniuk was choseon for MVP of the match.