Vôlei Renata wrote a new chapter in South American volleyball, outlasting Sada Cruzeiro in a nail-biting five-set final to capture their first Men’s South American Club Championship crown.
In front of a sold-out Ginásio do Taquaral, the Campinas-based team delivered a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 victory (22-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-13), ending Cruzeiro’s continental dominance and igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
Sada Cruzeiro, which entered the match as an 11-time South American champion, controlled the early stages of the final. The experienced squad imposed their rhythm and capitalized on its pedigree to take the opening two sets, placing Vôlei Renata under significant pressure.
However, the hosts responded decisively. Guided by head coach Horacio Dileo, Campinas tightened blocking structure and improved reception, gradually shifting the momentum. Energized by relentless crowd support, the team forced a fifth set and held its composure in a tense tie-break, sealing the victory by the narrowest of margins.
The triumph marks a milestone for Vôlei Renata, which had previously secured bronze in 2022. This year’s gold medal represents the club’s first continental crown and confirms its rise among South America’s elite. Both finalists had already secured qualification for the FIVB Club World Championship following semifinal results.
Earlier in the day, Itambé Minas claimed the bronze medal after defeating Argentina’s Ciudad Vóley in another five-set contest. Minas prevailed 3-2 (26-24, 16-25, 25-20, 28-30, 15-10), completing an all-Brazilian podium and leaving the Argentine side in fourth place.
Individual honors reflected the strength of the finalists. Bruno Rezende of Vôlei Renata was named Most Valuable Player and Best Setter, playing a pivotal role in the championship victory. Teammate Bruno Lima earned Best Opposite recognition, while Adriano Xavier (Vôlei Renata) and Rodrigo Leão Rodriguinho (Sada Cruzeiro) were selected as Best Outside Hitters.
Otávio Pinto of Sada Cruzeiro and Matheus Bispo of Vôlei Renata were awarded Best Middle Blocker, and Alexandre Elias of Cruzeiro received the Best Libero honor.
