It was a night to remember in the CEV Champions League, as tension, stamina and fine margins defined an action-packed round of matches across Europe.
In Pool B, Halkbank Ankara battled past Galatasaray HDI Istanbul in a gripping all-Turkish clash that went the full five sets. After letting a two-set lead slip, Halkbank regrouped in the tie-break and finally closed out a marathon encounter that tested both teams physically and mentally.
Reigning champions Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia faced a similar challenge on the road in Pool C. After dominating the opening stages against Guaguas Las Palmas, Perugia were dragged into a decider by a spirited home comeback. Experience proved decisive in the fifth set, where the Italians steadied themselves to secure another important victory.
There was no such drama in Pool E for Cucine Lube Civitanova, who continued their perfect run with a commanding straight-sets win away to Volley Haasrode Leuven. Lube controlled the match throughout and remain top of the group.
The night ended with celebrations in France, as Montpellier HSC VB thrilled a sold-out home crowd by edging PGE Projekt Warszawa in a dramatic five-set battle. In their first Champions League meeting, Montpellier showed composure at the crucial moments to claim a landmark Pool E win.
