In an exhilarating CEV Champions League Volley return semifinal match, Jastrzębski Węgiel secured their spot in the SuperFinals, overcoming Turkish powerhouse Ziraat Bankkart Ankara in a nail-biting 3-2 victory. Last year’s runners-up displayed exceptional skill and determination, especially in a pivotal second set victory that clinched their advancement, having previously won the first leg 3-0.
The match, held at the TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall in Ankara, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams neck-and-neck in scores through the five sets.
The victory was particularly sweet given Jastrzębski’s history in the tournament; after losing to Grupa Azoty Kedzierzyn-Kozle in a close final in 2023, they now have another chance to claim the prestigious Champions League trophy. The team awaits the outcome of the match between Cucine Lube Civitanova and Itas Trentino to discover their opponents in the CEV Champions League SuperFinals.
Key players for Jastrzębski included setter Benjamin Toniutti, who was named MVP, and Tomasz Fornal, who led the team with 12 points. Despite Ziraat’s strong comeback in the third and fourth sets, Jastrzębski’s dominance in the deciding fifth set sealed their victory, highlighted by a 46% excellent attack rate.
The match ended with scores of 34-32, 27-25, 16-25, 21-25, and 15-7 in favor of Jastrzębski Węgiel, marking another step in their quest for European glory.
CEV Champions League – Semifinals
- Jastrzębski Wegiel vs Ziraat Bankkart Ankara 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 30-28)
- Ziraat Bankkart Ankara vs. Jastrzębski Węgiel 2-3 (32-34, 25-27, 25-16, 25-21, 7-15)
