Leon-and-Verbov
Perugia and Zenit dominate this season in the Champions League in the attack (55% Perugia, 53% Kazan) and service (2.1 aces per set by Perugia, 1.9 aces per set by Zenit). Also, these two have nearly a perfect record in the competition. Actually, Perugia are unbeaten (8-0) while Zenit suffered a defeat in the quarterfinal rematch against Trefl Gdańsk that cloud have cost them losing the Champions League crown after four years. However, Zenit prevailed in the golden set and scheduled a matchup with Perugia who will play their third straight semifinal in the tournament.
In the previous two years, these two faced each other in two highly important Champions League games: last year, Zenit prevailed in the semifinal, while two years back, the Russian side was better than their rivals in the final. It was 3-0 on both occasions.
“I’m very happy and proud of the club, the city and the team for all they have done in recent years and for having the opportunity to play for a spot in the Champions League final against Kazan, a team which can be described with incredible adjectives. We’re aware of our strength, we know that our team is different from last year’s and from two years ago but we know what our weapons are. We have to play, we must enjoy it and above all, we must have fun playing a very, very difficult match which will certainly be beautiful. Too bad I can’t play it!” Perugia head coach Lorenzo Bernardi, who will lead the club from the bench for the 134. time (an all-time Italian record), said.
Biznes Online reported that Wilfredo León, who spent the last four seasons with Zenit, was greeted with great pleasure by his former teammates and head coach Vladimir Alekno at the end of Perugia’s training session yesterday.
“I will make seven aces of 21 serves,” the Cuban-born star teased Zenit libero Aleksey Verbov, who then asked León: “And how much against me?” Perugia outside hitter answered: “Three against you”.
This season, León broke the Italian Championship regular season aces record that was held by Osmany Juantorena (67). He made 94 aces in 89 matches, playing with a broken little finger since January.
It will be interesting to see how will León and Zenit superstar Earvin Ngapeth treat each other tonight knowing the statement of the Frenchman regarding León’s playing for Poland national team which he gave recently.
“Of course, I would prefer this match to be the final of the tournament. But this series is like a final. I think there will be very interesting games. My team and I are well prepared. Outside the court, we are good friends with Zenit players, but on the court, I will do everything to win,” León described his feelings before the first match against Zenit as Perugia member.
2019 CEV Men’s Volleyball Champions League semifinal – 1st leg*:
PGE Skra Bełchatów – Cucine Lube Civitanova (18:00 CET)
Sir Colussi Sicoma Perugia – Zenit Kazan (20:30 CET)
*2nd leg on April 10.
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