In a return match of the CEV Champions League Play Off round, Halkbank clinched a victory against Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, winning 3-0 and securing their spot in the quarter-finals. Despite losing the first match 2-3 to ZAKSA, the Turkish team’s outstanding performance in the rematch ensured their advancement.
ZAKSA, the title holders for the past three years (2021-2023), faced significant challenges this season due to squad issues, including injuries and illnesses, which ultimately led to their inability to defend the trophy. The match highlighted individual performances, with Nimir Abdel-Aziz from Halkbank leading the score chart with 28 points, earning him the MVP title for his remarkable 58% attack efficiency and 3 aces. Łukasz Kaczmarek and Daniel Chitigoi were top scorers for ZAKSA with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
With Nimir Abdel-Aziz’s exceptional performance, Halkbank managed to confidently defeat ZAKSA. The Turkish team made a significant comeback in the first set from a 7-point deficit, winning 32-30, which set the tone for the rest of the match. They continued to dominate in the second set with a 25-21 victory and sealed their win by taking the third set 25-22.
Halkbank’s victory ends ZAKSA’s streak and sets up a quarter-final clash with the Italian club Cucine Lube Civitanova, promising an exciting continuation of the Champions League.
CEV Champions League – Play Off Round
- Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle vs. Halkbank Ankara 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-25, 15-12)
- Halkbank Ankara vs. Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle 3-0 (32-30, 25-21, 25-22)
