Japan’s Osaka Bluteon delivered a dominant statement at the start of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship, sweeping aside defending champions Sada Cruzeiro of Brazil in straight sets.
Playing the tournament opener on Brazilian soil, Cruzeiro were expected to assert their authority after winning a record five world titles, all achieved at home, including last year’s triumph. Instead, they were comprehensively outplayed as Osaka claimed a convincing 3–0 victory (25–14, 25–18, 25–14) to open their Pool B campaign.
The Japanese side controlled the match from start to finish, never allowing Cruzeiro to reach 20 points in any set. Outside hitter Shoma Tomita led the charge with a match-high 19 points, recording an outstanding 82% success rate in attack. He also contributed an ace and four blocks. Miguel Ángel López added 13 points, while captain Yuji Nishida finished with 11, including two service aces. For Cruzeiro, Douglas Souza was the top scorer with seven points.
The result marked a disappointing start for the Brazilian champions, who struggled to match Osaka’s intensity and efficiency, as the Japanese club announced itself as a serious contender in this year’s competition.
