The CEV Champions League Pool E stage concluded with thrilling volleyball action, headlined by Savino Del Bene Scandicci’s flawless campaign and Allianz MTV Stuttgart’s nail-biting victory.
Scandicci’s Perfect Run
Savino Del Bene Scandicci emerged as Europe’s top team in the pool stage, finishing undefeated and without dropping a single set. In their final Pool E match, Scandicci defeated Poland’s BKS Bostik ZGO Bielsko-Biała 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-15). Despite the straightforward scoreline, Bielsko-Biała, battling for a quarterfinal spot, gave the Italian team a tough fight in the first two sets. However, Scandicci’s resilience, led by Ekaterina Antropova’s MVP performance with 16 points (including three blocks), turned the tide. Key contributions came from Graziani (12 points, 7 blocks) and Herbots and Ruddins (10 points each).
This marks Scandicci’s fifth trip to the Champions League quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Budowlani Łódź vs. Tent Obrenovac clash.
Stuttgart’s Gritty Triumph
Meanwhile, Allianz MTV Stuttgart thrilled their home crowd in a marathon 3-2 (14:25, 25:20, 25:23, 19:25, 15:8) win over Romania’s CSO Voluntari. Despite a rocky start marked by 11 errors in the opening set, Stuttgart rebounded with strategic adjustments, including setter Pia Kästner’s impactful substitution. Star player Krystal Rivers shone brightest, delivering 26 points to guide her team to victory. The tiebreak sealed the match after a pivotal video challenge went Stuttgart’s way, sending the 1,967 fans into jubilation.
With this win, Stuttgart secured second place in their group and advanced to the playoff round, keeping their Champions League dream alive. In the Playoff stage, Stuttgart is set to face KS Developres Rzeszów.
- CEV CL W: Scandicci Dominates, Stuttgart Survives in Pool E
- CEV CL W: Thrilling Volleyball Clashes Mark Final Pool C Matches
- CEV CL W: Conegliano and Maritza Secure Victories in Pool A
- CEV CL W: Budowlani Łódź Triumphs, Fenerbahçe Dominates Pool D
- TUR W: Barbolini’s Return to Galatasaray on the Horizon?
The stage is now set for the next phase of Europe’s most prestigious club volleyball competition, with these teams showcasing why they belong among the elite.
