In a riveting Pool C game of the CEV Champions League on Wednesday, Halkbank Ankara triumphed over the Berlin Recycling Volleys. The intense match saw the Berliners fight valiantly, even securing two match points in the fourth set, but they ultimately succumbed to Halkbank with a score of 2-3 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 27-29, 10-15).
The match commenced with both teams displaying solid sideout play. However, notable moments like Nimir Abdel-Aziz’s ace and Saso Stalekar’s block were few. The German champions, led by Hannes Tille’s block against Gordon Perrin, eventually gained momentum. Key plays included Timothée Carle surprising Earvin N’Gapeth with a serve and Robert Täht acing N’Gapeth. Timo Tammemaa’s block on Abdel-Aziz and subsequent aces sealed the first set for Berlin (25-19).
Halkbank responded strongly, marking their presence with a series of blocks. Despite close scores, the Turkish team’s blocking prowess was decisive in winning the second set (21-25). The Berlin team, however, regained control in the third set with effective double blocks and strategic plays by setter Tille. Even with disruptions like Satoshi Tsuiki’s cramps and a lengthy video challenge, the Berliners maintained their lead, winning the set (25-19).
The fourth set was a nail-biter, with both teams at their competitive best. Carle’s backcourt play and Tammemaa’s ace brought the Berlin team to the brink of victory. However, Halkbank showed resilience, snatching the set (29-27). In the tiebreak, despite a brief shift in momentum following Cody Kessel’s substitution by coach Joel Banks, Halkbank dominated, leading to a service error from Berlin and sealing their victory (15-10).
