CHALLENGE CUP M: Verona got serious in rematch vs. Benfica, go to historical European finals

The “yellow and blue“ team coached by legendary Andrea Giani prevailed Portuguese champions Benfica Lisboa 3-1 (25-15, 19-25, 25-17, 25-14) on road in rematch of semis.

Thus, Verona overturned the result of the first leg (lost 3-2) by showing technical and tactical determination. Italian representatives won the first set with ease, lost the second, but brilliantly raised their head showing off a great performance in the next two sets.

American Taylor Sander smashed Benfica with 18 points. Hugo Fernando Lucas Gaspar topped Benfica’s scorers with 21.

Fakel Novy Urengoy needed more than a decade of gaining experience in the Russian top division to make a brekthrough in European competition.

After beating Belgian Prefaxis Menen at home court in the first leg, in straight sets, Fakel went on road with only one desire – to take two sets and qualify for the gold medal match. So, they did it. They even won the match in tie-break 3-2 (25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 15-5).

Member of Russia’s National Team, Ilya Vlasov, topped scorers of Fakel – 16 points (7 blocks). The Norwegian Jonas Kvalen had 26 in Prefaxis.

Final Phase / Semifinals / Semifinal 1

Final Phase / Semifinals / Semifinal 2

 

To see standings, results, stats, videos, etc, visit our page CEV Challenge Cup 2015/2016 M.

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