Ural UFA-Galatasaray
However, the return match played on Thursday at Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall turned into a real marathon with Ural UFA eventually edging the home heroes only after coming back from two sets down (26-28, 25-27, 25-13, 28-26, and 15-10).
After losing last week in Ufa, Galatasaray started out very determined and dictated the pace all the way through the opening set (8:6, 16:15) cashing it after a close final rush (28-26). The hosts did display a very solid performance also in set 2 (8:4) and were able once more to have the upper hand after a close fight (27-25). Starting from the third set and with the addition of giant Alexey Kazakov (217 cm), Ural UFA found their way into the game and controlled the operations (8:5, 16:7) dominating the scene and seizing that section with the terrific score of 25-13. The fourth set turned into another great showdown with Ural UFA ultimately calling for the tie-break.
This was the last chance for Galatasaray to possibly go for the golden set but Ural UFA did not show any mercy for the home guys and paced by their Brazilian star Leandro Vissotto – who amassed 31 points in the end – could cruise to the final 15-10 that signified their qualification for the semis to play there Delecta BYDGOSZCZ of Poland.
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