Slovenian Champions Secure Crucial Victory in Belgium and Advance to the CEV Cup

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ACH Volley Ljubljana

In the final match of the Champions League group stage, we witnessed an intense clash in Maaseik, Belgium, between Greenyard Maaseik and Slovenia’s reigning champions, ACH Volley Ljubljana. The high-stakes match was crucial for both teams, with the winner securing third place in the group and progressing to the CEV Cup quarterfinals. After a dramatic battle, the Slovenian team emerged victorious, celebrating a hard-fought yet well-deserved win and returning to Slovenia with a major success.

Maaseik – Steengoed Arena MAASEIK, spectators: 1500,  referees: Vlastimil KOVAR , Vladimir SIMONOVIC.

Greenyard MAASEIK : ACH Volley Ljubljana  0 : 3  (-17, -32, -25)

Greenyard MAASEIK: Fafchamps 2, Vanker, Kessel 13, Neyens (L), Sirjakovs 8, Cox 2, Currie (L), Pawlun 1, Bus, Fornes 6, Saaremaa 3, Perin 17.   Coach: Gortzen Guido.

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 24, Kržič Jošt, Šket, Najdič, Esko 2, Marovt 10, Šen, Kržič  Janž Janez 6, Kovačič (L), Štalekar, Pokeršnik 18, Videčnik 3, Kök, Kumer (L).   Coach: Matjaž Hafner

The opening set belonged to the visitors from Ljubljana, who took an early +3 lead (4:7) with a solid block and efficient attacking. The Orange Dragons continued their dominance, with Golzadeh delivering a powerful finish for a five-point advantage (8:13). The Belgian side struggled to keep up with the energized Slovenians, as Kržič Janž Janez attacked successfully through the middle for 16:11. The set went according to ACH Volley’s plans, with Pokeršnik securing the first set point with a block and sealing the set himself with a strong attack (17:25).

The second set started in similar fashion, with Ljubljana maintaining control until mid-set. Pokeršnik’s kill extended the lead to 16:11, but this time, the Belgian team regrouped and slowly closed the gap, eventually leveling the score at 19-19. This led to an intense, marathon-like finish, where the home team had the first set point but failed to convert. The teams traded leads until the Orange Dragons capitalized on their fifth set point after an outstanding defensive effort and a decisive attack by Pokeršnik (32:34).

Unlike the previous sets, Maaseik started the third set stronger, as Sirjakovs’ diagonal attack put them up by three (9:6). This prompted a timeout from Hafner, which helped ACH Volley reduce the gap. Golzadeh first delivered a strong attack and then followed up with a block to make it 9:8. Pokeršnik then fired an ace to tie the set at 10:10, but errors on Ljubljana’s serves allowed the Belgian side to regain a 17:15 lead. Once again, Pokeršnik stepped up with an effective attack and two aces, forcing the home team’s coach to call a timeout. The Orange Dragons gained a three-point lead in the final stretch, but Maaseik refused to give up, leveling the score at 22-22 after a key point by Sirjakovs. Iranian opposite Golzadeh responded with a crucial kill for a 24:22 lead, but Maaseik turned the tables with a 3-0 run, earning a match point at 25:24. However, the Slovenians remained composed, and it was Golzadeh who delivered the final blows, securing the win and sparking celebrations in Steengoed Arena (25:27).

Post-Match Reactions

Captain Jani Kovačič:
"I think we showed an excellent fight on the court today. At times, there were quite a few mistakes in our game, but I have to commend the team for their dedication from the first to the last point. There was also some nervousness, as the importance of the match was very high. In the end, the victory is what counts, and with it, our continued journey in European competitions, which we are already looking forward to."

Head Coach Matjaž Hafner:
"Finally, we showed the right fighting spirit. Maybe not many believed that we could put on one of our best performances today in Belgium, but we managed to play one of our strongest matches of the season. There were some slight dips towards the end of the second and third sets, but the team's desire and fighting spirit were truly incredible. It showed that we have been working extremely hard in recent weeks. Winning 3:0 in Maaseik is a huge achievement, so my sincere congratulations to the entire team."