Allianz Milano overpower AALST to move within reach of #CEVChallengeCupM title

The first leg of the #CEVChallengeCupM Finals took place on Wednesday night in Belgium, where Allianz Milano delivered a dominant performance on the road, defeating Lindemans AALST in straight sets. In front of 2,040 spectators at Sportcentrum Schotte, the Italian side controlled the match from start to finish, securing a 3–0 victory and taking a major step toward lifting the trophy. With the return leg set to be played in Italy next week, MILANO now hold a strong advantage as they chase the second European title in their history.

Finals | Lindemans AALST (BEL) vs Allianz MILANO (ITA) 0-3 (18-25, 19-25, 22-25)

Allianz Milano set the tone early, showing efficiency in attack and consistency from the service line. Despite the home crowd pushing Lindemans AALST, the visitors quickly established control, with Ferre Reggers leading the offence. The Belgian side struggled to find rhythm, and Milano comfortably closed the opening set 25-18.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Aalst trying to respond through Enrique Rempel and their strong serving, but Milano remained composed. Tatsunori Otsuka and Reggers continued to deliver in attack, while solid defensive work limited the hosts’ opportunities. Once again, the Italian side proved sharper in key moments, taking the set 25-19.

Aalst showed their best level in the third set, staying close for longer stretches and pushing the visitors in front of their fans. However, Milano never lost control of the match. With Reggers once again leading the way and the team maintaining high efficiency, the visitors closed the set 25-22 to seal a straight-sets victory.

MVP Ferre Reggers delivered an outstanding performance, finishing as the match’s top scorer with 23 points, including 18 winning spikes, three blocks and two aces. He was well supported by Otsuka, who added 14 points, while Tommaso Ichino contributed seven. For Lindemans AALST, Enrique Rempel led the scoring with 17 points, with Nuno Marques adding 11.

The result gives Allianz Milano a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg, where they will need to confirm their form on home soil to secure the trophy. Lindemans AALST, playing in their first-ever European final, will need a strong response in Italy to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive.

The decisive second leg is scheduled for next week in Milan, where the #CEVChallengeCupM title will be decided.