Polish Team Secures First-Ever European Trophy After Thrilling Final Against Cucine Lube Civitanova
Bogdanka LUK Lublin has etched its name in European volleyball history! The Polish team claimed the Challenge Cup after a breathtaking final against Cucine Lube Civitanova, securing their first-ever international trophy. Despite losing the second-leg match 3-2 in Italy, the two sets they won were enough to seal their victory, thanks to their 3-1 home win in the first leg.
A Dream Debut in European Competitions
This season marked Bogdanka LUK Lublin’s debut in European cups, and the team made an unforgettable impact. Coached by Massimo Botti, the Polish squad battled through tough opponents on their way to the final, culminating in a hard-fought series against the Italian powerhouse, Cucine Lube Civitanova.
With volleyball superstar Wilfredo Leon leading the charge, Lublin’s players showed extraordinary determination. Even in the tense second-leg match in Civitanova, they defended multiple match points before securing the crucial two sets that guaranteed them the championship.
Final Showdown: Lublin Fights Until the End
The second-leg final in Italy was an intense battle from the first serve. Cucine Lube Civitanova, determined to overturn their first-leg deficit, took the opening two sets (27-25, 25-21), putting pressure on the Polish team.
However, Bogdanka LUK Lublin responded with incredible resilience in a thrilling third set that lasted 44 minutes and ended 38-36 in their favor. This victory brought them within touching distance of the trophy.
In the fourth set, Lublin sealed their triumph, winning 25-20 and officially securing the Challenge Cup title. Though Civitanova won the deciding fifth set 15-7, it was Lublin who celebrated as champions.
Match Summary (Return Leg – CEV Challenge Cup Final)
Cucine Lube Civitanova – Bogdanka LUK Lublin 3-2 (27-25, 25-21, 36-38, 20-25, 15-7)
Cucine Lube Civitanova Players:
Balaso (L), Bisotto (L), Boninfante 5, Bottolo 20, Chinenyeze 12, Dirlic 6, Gargiulo 1, Khanzadeh 4, Lagumdzija 15, Loeppky 1, Nikolov 24, Orduna, Podrascanin 9, Tenorio 1. Coach: Medei Giampaolo
Bogdanka LUK Lublin Players:
Komenda 3, Sawicki 14, Malinowski 14, Leon Venero 25, Grozdanov 8, Czyrek (L), Hoss (L), McCarthy 2, Sasak 10, Nowakowski 4, Wachnik 1, Slotarski 1, Zajac 1. Coach: Massimo Botti
For Lublin, this victory is not just about winning a trophy—it represents their arrival on the European stage as a force to be reckoned with. With Wilfredo Leon’s leadership and a team full of determined players, the club now looks forward to greater challenges in the future.
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