The two of the 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League quarterfinals concluded with victories for Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds and Qatar’s Al-Rayyan Sports Club, setting the stage for an electrifying semifinal clash between these two undefeated teams.
Aat Kyoto’s Shimadzu Arena, the Suntory Sunbirds showcased their dominance by defeating Bahrain’s Muharraq Club in straight sets: 27-25, 25-20, 25-9. This victory not only preserved their unbeaten record but also secured their spot in the semifinals.
Key performers for the Sunbirds included Russian star Dmitriy Muserskiy, who led with 17 points (13 kills), and Japan’s Ran Takahashi, contributing 15 points (13 kills). Their combined efforts overwhelmed Muharraq, especially in the third set, where the Sunbirds surged ahead with a 4-0 run and maintained their lead to close the match at 25-9.
Reflecting on the match, Takahashi stated, “It was a tough game, especially in the first two sets. We focused on breaking their momentum in the second set and improved significantly in the third. Our next match against Al-Rayyan will be another challenge, but if we play with the same confidence, I believe we can win.”
Al-Rayyan Overcomes Aqtobe in Four Sets
Earlier that day, Al-Rayyan Sports Club faced Kazakhstan’s Aqtobe and secured a 3-1 victory: 25-20, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20.
Mali’s Noumory Keita and the Netherlands’ Nimir Abdel-Aziz were instrumental in this win, scoring 25 and 23 points respectively. Keita expressed his enthusiasm about playing alongside Nimir Abdel-Aziz and Tine Urnaut, stating, “Playing alongside them now is a dream come true. They are role models who help me grow and gain experience.”
Despite a setback in the third set, Al-Rayyan regained control in the fourth, with Keita and Nimir leading the charge to close out the match.
Semifinal Showdown: Suntory Sunbirds vs. Al-Rayyan
The upcoming semifinal between the Suntory Sunbirds and Al-Rayyan Sports Club promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Sunbirds, with Muserskiy, Takahashi, and Aleksander Śliwka, will face off against Al-Rayyan’s formidable lineup, including Keita, Nimir, and Urnaut.
The winner of this match will advance to the final and secure a berth at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship.
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