MONZA live up to pre-favourite status to claim away win in Las Palmas
News
The first leg of the quarterfinals of the men’s CEV Cup started with Vero Volley MONZA living up to their status as they stormed to a compelling 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-23, 25-23) in their away match at CDV Guaguas LAS PALMAS.
The Italians broke away right from the start of the first set (5-0) and it took some time for the Spaniards to find their way into the game (6-10). Thanks to a good service series from Yosvany Hernandez, the Spanish side reduced their gap a little further (8-10). However, MONZA continued to perform impressively, especially with their spikers, and Guaguas had to accept a landslide 15-25 loss at the end of the first set.
The second set was a much closer affair (7-7). As the Italians changed pace, the local coach did not hesitate further and called a timeout. After the interruption, the Spanish team came out ready to fight for the set (17-19). The team coached by Sergio Miguel Camarero fought until the end of the set, but it was not enough. The Italians kept their two-point advantage and took the second set as well (23-25).
Guaguas eventually managed to edge ahead in the early stages of the third set (6-3). However, Donovan Dzavororonok’s attacks brought the match back on level terms (9-9). Camarero did not think twice and stopped the match. After the timeout, the Italians continued with a splendid offensive game as the hosts responded through Yadrián Escobar Silva (17-18). With much at stake, MONZA managed to have a positive run to move the score to 23-19 in their favour. CDV Guaguas did not give up and fought until the end – but MONZA proved too strong again (23-25).
Guillermo Magnani Hage, player of CDV Guaguas: “There were two matches. As for the first set, we started very nervously, while they were very good with the blocking-defence system, without making any mistakes. In the second and third sets, we put up more of a fight and the difference was minimal, we could organise our game better and we will go to Italy and try to surprise them. The tie is open, you need to win two matches to go through and we will go there to play with everything we have.”
Santiago Orduna“Guaguas is the best team in Spain, and we knew we had to be very concentrated, and we did so. In the difficult moments, like when they were up in the third set, we did not give up and kept fighting. So, we travel home with a 3-0 victory – which is very important for the second leg.”
Argentinean-born setter of Vero Volley MONZA