Ljubljana team wins 15th Cup trophy with victory over Maribor

In the grand final of the Slovenian Cup, held at the Rdeča dvorana in Velenje, we witnessed a clash between ACH Volley Ljubljana and i-Vent Maribor. The Ljubljana volleyball team justified their role as favorites and celebrated their 15th Slovenian Cup title.

Velenje – Red Hall, Attendance: 1,450, Referees: Gregor Novak, Anton Pevc.

ACH Volley Ljubljana : i-Vent Maribor 3 : 0 (22, 22, 14).
ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 13, Kržič Jošt, Šket 5, Najdič 2, Esko 3, Marovt 13, Šen, Kržič Janž Janez 7, Kovačič (L), Štalekar, Pokeršnik 8, Videčnik 5, Kök, Kumer (L). Coach: Matjaž Hafner.

OK i-Vent Maribor: Cafuta 4, Fužir (L), Vodušek 7, Almeida 7, Sešek 13, Valenčič 7, Mazej, Donik 3, Škorc (L), Fink 5, Kastelic 1, Mejal 2, Klinger. Coach: Sebastjan Škorc.

The players of ACH Volley Ljubljana opened the final with intensity in the Red Hall and quickly took a 4:1 lead thanks to Esko's powerful serves. The Maribor team improved their play as the set progressed, narrowing the gap to just one point following a successful attack by Donik. As the set neared its conclusion, the Ljubljana players became more assertive in their attacks, gaining a four-point advantage (21:17). Despite Maribor's late threat with Cafuta's ace, the Dragons remained composed and secured the first set 25:22 with Golzadeh's efficient spike.

The second set also started strongly for ACH Volley, who took a 3:0 lead. However, Maribor quickly leveled the score at 13 following Valenčič's block. The remainder of the set saw a fierce battle for each point, with Maribor maintaining a slight edge until the closing moments. In the decisive phase, strong defense and Pokeršnik's successful spike pushed Ljubljana into the lead (22:21). Coach Hafner introduced Šket as the opposite hitter, who immediately delivered, scoring two consecutive points to seal the second set for the Orange Dragons (25:22).

The third set began in a similar manner, with ACH Volley dominating early and taking a 6:3 lead after Janž Kržič's ace. This time, the Ljubljana team did not allow their opponents to close the gap and maintained their advantage throughout. They shifted into a higher gear, completely controlling the court in Rdeča dvorana. Kržič's powerful tempo spike for a +7 lead and Marovt's block for 16:8 signaled that the final was all but decided. The closing moments were entirely one-sided, with ACH Volley racing toward their 15th Slovenian Cup title. The match ended with Videčnik's ace following an excellent service run (25:14).

Statement by ACH Volley Ljubljana coach, Matjaž Hafner:
"Considering the importance of the match, I am satisfied with the result and our performance. I congratulate my players for keeping control for most of the game. The Maribor team played with confidence and tried to surprise us at every step, so it was crucial for us to stay focused throughout. Our first goal of the season has been achieved, but there is no time to celebrate as we are already thinking about Thursday's Champions League match when we host the Berlin team in Hala Tivoli."

Statement by ACH Volley Ljubljana captain, Jani Kovačič:
"We are extremely happy to win our first trophy of the season. We know what the Cup competition means and that it often produces the biggest surprises. Maribor showed strong resistance in the first two sets, but we came together in the crucial moments and proved that we deserve to be the Cup champions."