CL M: Calculations for Playoffs 12 – four spots empty before last round, who will snatch them?

BRVolleys-vs-Zenit

Cucine Lube Civitanova and Sir Colussi Sicoma Perugia (Pool A), VfB Friedrichshafen and Halkbank Ankara (Pool B), Lokomotiv Novosibirsk (Pool C), Zenit Kazan (Pool D), and Zaksa Kędzierzyn-Koźle and Diatec Trentino (Pool E) progressed to the Playoffs 12 prior to the last round (February 28). So, let’s talk about the teams who have the chance to claim the second spot in their pools or become one of the two best third-placed teams, overall.

In Pool A, the Belgian Knack Roeselare have a silent dream of advancing to the Playoffs 12 because even in case of beating Fenerbahçe SK İstanbul, they don’t have the fate in their own hands. Roeselare will depend on the performances of PAOK Thessaloniki (Pool B), Chaumont VB 52 Haute Marne (Pool C) and Berlin Recycling Volleys (Pool D) since they have the smallest number of wins (along with PAOK) and points out of all third-placed sides on their account.

The Greek champions PAOK are in a slightly better situation in Pool B when it comes to qualifying for the Playoffs 12 but they also need a combination of results to coincide. PAOK seek a three-point worth victory against Ford Store Levoranta Sastamala and, at the same time, they look forward to a defeat of Chaumont to PGE Skra Bełchatów or defeat of BR Volleys to Jastrzębski Węgiel.

As for Pool C, the Polish Skra and French Chaumont will decide on No.2 and No.3 in a head-on duel. In case Chaumont win by a 3-0 or 3-1, they will secure the Playoffs 12 as No.2. In case they win by a 3-2 or Skra prevail by a 3-0 or 3-1, the Polish giants will go to the next stage as No.2, while Chaumont would fall to No.3. Skra even have a chance to finish as the top-seed in the pool with a three-point worth win but only if Lokomotiv lose by a 3-0 to their compatriots Dinamo Moscow.

In Pool D, Jastrzębski have a provisional advantage in the standings compared to BR Volleys. But, in case they take at least two sets in a direct encounter with the German side, Jastrzębski will convert it to a real advantage and punch the Playoffs 12 ticket as No.2, pushing the rivals to calculate their chances for qualifying to the knockout stage as No.3.

Diatec Trentino from Italy and Noliko Maaseik will clash for the second place in Pool E. But, the Italian side has no worries even if it suffers a defeat. Trentino have the Playoff 12 ticket in their pocket as the best third-placed team, in the worst-case scenario. Maaseik need any kind of a victory to move up to No.2. If they lose to Trentino, they will remain third-placed and depend on the outcomes in Pool C and Pool D.

Match of the Week: Despite the fact both sides secured their Playoffs 12 tickets, the clash between Italian rivals Cucine Lube Civitanova and Sir Colussi Sicoma Perugia earns the title Match of the Day in the Champions League, if for no other reason then for the fact these are the two best teams in one of the strongest national championships in the world – SuperLega UnipolSai. Also, it is the clash for the No.1 in the pool, and easier opponents in the knockout stage, with Perugia currently being in front of Lube only for having one more win on their account as both are leveled at 13 points.

Pool A

1. Perugia 5-0 (13 points)
2. Lube 4-1 (13 points)
3. Roeselare 1-4 (4 points)
4. Fenerbahçe 0-5 (0 points)

Pool B

1. Friedrichshafen 5-0 (14 points)
2. Halkbank 3-2 (9 points)
3. PAOK 1-4 (5 points)
4. Sastamala 1-4 (2 points)

Pool C

1. Lokomotiv 4-1 (11 points)
2. Skra 3-2 (8 points)
3. Chaumont 2-3 (6 points)
4. Dinamo 1-4 (5 points)

Pool D

1. Zenit 5-0 (15 points)
2. Jastrzębski 3-2 (8 points)
3. BR Volleys 2-3 (6 points)
4. Toulouse 0-5 (1 point)

Pool E

1. Zaksa 4-1 (11 points)
2. Trentino 3-2 (11 points)
3. Maaseik 3-2 (7 points)
4. Arkas 0-5 (1 point)