CV San Roque LAS PALMAS crown European debut with historic victory

CV San Roque LAS PALMAS did have a dream debut as they make their first, historic participation in the CEV European Cups. On Tuesday night, the team from the Canary Islands beat Norway’s BK TROMSØ in straight sets (25-23, 25-23, 25-17). The Spaniards will need to win two sets ‘only’ from the rematch coming up on Wednesday night also at Pabellón de El Batán to advance to the 16th Finals of the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup 2025 where they would play PAOK THESSALONIKI of Greece. 

The players of San Roque did show some nerves at the beginning, but the more experienced ones were able to rise to the occasion. Moisés Cezar did live up to his reputation as best blocker from the Spanish Super League, finding much support in Anderson Grossi, while Mauro Fuentes scored from the wings. The visitors from the north of Norway did still manage to break away courtesy of Magnus Ellingsen, Johannes Fagervold and Jake Manuel Gomes, who seemed ready and willing to upset the local fans. However, the home side managed to equalise the score in the final stretch of the first set and claimed a close 25-23 win after two blocks by Cezar. 

In the second set, setter Clément Diverchy took advantage of Pedro José Pinto’s good moment, as the Norwegian defence could not find a way stop the Portuguese opposite hitter. Ellingsen’s good moment was not enough to put up a fight, with Jose Maria Giménez eventually sealing another 25-23 win. 

After winning the first two sets, the players of coach Alberto Rodriguez Guerra changed gear to avoid any last-minute surprises, with Grossi leading the attack that nullified BK TROMSØ attempts to extend the match. Petter Østvik and Gomes gave some hope to the visitors but a service error from the Norwegian side of the net sealed the first historic European victory for San Roque (25-17).