Not many people would have bet on Allianz MTV STUTTGART after the 25-11 loss of the first set, but the German Champions put their troubles behind them and went on to beat the defending Champions League winners Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA 3-1 (11-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-23). Essential was the performance of the setter/opposite duo of STUTTGART, Ainise Havili and Krystal Rivers. Rivers was topscorer with 28, Havili came on court after set 1 and made the match her own.

NOVARA came out flying, nothing could hold the 2019 CEV Champions League Volley winner back. In just 21 minutes the 11-25 score was set. Jovana Brakocevic Canzian was leading her team, there wasn't a cloud in the sky for Massimo Barbolini's squad.

Bringing on Ainise Havili as a setter made all the difference for STUTTGART. She used all of her attackers, but mostly Krystal Rivers, who has just recovered from a stomach flu. Rivers was unstoppable, scoring 25 of her 28 points in the last three sets. This was the first time STUTTGART have managed to beat an Italian team in the Champions League.

NOVARA are now off to China for the FIVB Club World Championships, they leave on Friday. ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ lead Pool C with two matches won, STUTTGART are now in second place. NOVARA are third.

Kim Renkema, Sport Director of Allianz MTV Stuttgart: "Unbelievable – the performance of the girls on the court today. Together with our fantastic fans at the Scharrena it felt like some kind of magic. We beat the acting CEV Champions League winners!"

Megan Courtney, outside hitter for Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA: "They played really well and we could not stand against on a high enough level today."

Aurel Irion, Managing Director of Allianz MTV Stuttgart: "What a feast day! After such a disappointing first set an initiated turnaround with our incredible fans behind us. This wasn't awaited. And it will give us the power for the next difficult challenges!"