In a gripping showdown that lasted 2 hours and 18 minutes, HAOK Mladost Zagreb fought back to defeat Mursa Osijek 3-2 (21:25, 25:22, 19:25, 25:23, 15:10), reducing the final series deficit to 1-2 in the Croatian Volleyball Superliga playoff finals.
Backed by a passionate crowd bussed in from Osijek, Mursa entered the third game of the finals brimming with confidence. From the outset, they dominated the first set, stringing points together and maintaining control. Despite Mladost’s efforts, Mursa took the opening set 25:21, showcasing their collective strength.
The tide turned in the second set when Mladost, led by strong serving from Močić and timely blocks by Perić, found their rhythm. They pulled away with a six-point run, eventually sealing the set 25:22. Spýros Chandrinós led the charge with 11 points by then, supported by Jovović’s steady performance.
The third set mirrored the first—Mursa surged ahead with another scoring run. Although Mladost briefly took the lead at 17:16, the Osijek squad struck back with a 4-point burst and won the set 25:19, with Leo Andrić amassing 10 points in that set alone.
With the match slipping away, Mladost mounted a comeback in the fourth set. Down 21:19, they stormed back with a 4-0 run. A video-reviewed spike by Spýros Chandrinós clinched the set 25:23, pushing the match into a deciding fifth set.
Riding the momentum, Mladost took early control in the final frame, leading 8:5 at the side switch. They extended their lead to 12:7, and Močić’s net-kissing ace gave them match point. Andrić’s final serve into the net sealed Mladost’s dramatic 15:10 victory.
Player of the Match: Spýros Chandrinós (Mladost) and Leo Andrić (Mursa) both scored 26 points, proving pivotal for their teams.
Coach Reactions:
Mursa’s coach Ratko Peris praised the contest: “Great match. Mladost deserved the win today. Now we focus on Sunday in Osijek.”
Mladost’s Radovan Gačić added: “This is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ll do our best to bring the series back to Zagreb.”
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