In an epic battle for the crown of European volleyball, Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle emerged triumphant for the third consecutive year, claiming the coveted CEV Champions League Trophy after an intense five-set match against fellow Polish competitors, Jastrzębski Węgiel.
The Champions League final was off to a riveting start, with freshly minted Polish champions, Jastrzębski Węgiel, taking the early initiative. Guided by stalwarts Tomasz Fornal and Stephen Boyer, Jastrzębski commanded the first set, compelling the two-time defending champions to claw their way back into the contest.
True to their reputation, ZAKSA exemplified the fighting spirit that has underpinned their recent success. Inspired performances from Bednorz, Kaczmarek, and their captain Sliwka shifted the momentum in their favor, with the reigning European champions clawing back to secure the second set before asserting their dominance in the third.
As the fourth set unfolded, fans were treated to a captivating spectacle of volleyball as both teams jousted for the lead, with momentum swinging back and forth in a thrilling display of skill and grit. Jastrzębski finally edged the set, extending the final into a decisive fifth set amid the roar of their ecstatic, orange-clad supporters.
However, the climax belonged to ZAKSA. In spite of facing pressure and losing their lead twice, the team displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Their unwavering spirit shone through as they sealed their third consecutive Champions League title, keeping the trophy for another year.
Notably, four players from the victorious ZAKSA squad contributed double-digit scores, underlining the balanced team performance that has been their trademark. Bednorz emerged as the top scorer with 23 points, closely followed by Sliwka with 19, Kaczmarek with 15, and Smith with 13. In a commendable effort for Jastrzębski Węgiel, Boyer netted 20 points, Clevenot contributed 18, and Fornal chipped in with 16 points.
CEV Champions League – SuperFinals
Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle vs Jastrzębski Węgiel 3-2 (26 – 28, 25 – 22, 25 – 14, 28 – 30, 15 – 12)
