Second win propels Neftohimik 2010 into next round of #CEVChallengeCupM
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Neftohimik BURGAS went relatively easily through to the 16th Finals of the CEV Challenge Cup following a second win against the Swiss opponent Chênois GENEVE, this time on home soil in Bulgaria. The team of the Italian coach Francesco Cadeddu – a world vice-champion as a member of the Bulgarian national team’s staff – scored a 3-1 (23-25, 25-11, 25-20, 25-22) victory in front of over 500 spectators at the Boycho Branzov sports hall in Burgas.
The hosts had some problems in the first set only. The score stayed level till 15-15, when Chênois took the lead by 18-15 and then by 22-17. However, the six-time Bulgarian champions dominated totally in the second set, which they won by 25-11. The host team was on the winning side of the coin in the third set too and went decisively ahead – 19-16 and 21-17. The Bulgarian championship table leaders built a consistent five-point lead in the last set to triumph by 25-22 and 3-1.
The Bosnian opposite of the winners, Adi Osmanovic, who had struggled with an injury last week, took to the court from the start this time and finished as a top scorer with 19 points.
Neftohimik will face the Israeli side Maccabi TEL-AVIV in the next round of the competition.
Mladost moves forward with compelling home victory
Elsewhere, Mladost ZAGREB secured their place in the Round of 16 of the CEV Challenge Cup as well. After a 3-2 victory in Mallorca, they confirmed their progress by defeating Conectabalear CV MANACOR 3-1 (25-16, 25-20, 16-25, 25-19) in front of the home crowd.
Mladost dominated from the start - strong serving, excellent reception and efficient attackers brought them convincing wins in the first two sets. The guests took advantage of a dip in concentration from Mladost to claim the third set, but the home side regrouped in the fourth and closed the match confidently.
The top scorer was Spyridon Chandrinos with 19 points, followed by Marino Marelić (18) and Ivan Zeljković (15).
Fernando Munoz Benitez“We expected a fighting Spanish team. We lost our rhythm a bit in the third set, but I think we played very well for three sets and had the match under control. I am satisfied with the team and the way they are working; every player contributed to this victory.”
Head coach of Mladost
Captain Tsimafei Zhukouski: “We played a great match today, stayed focussed from the very beginning and kept control. We lost the third set - credit to the opponent - but we reacted well in the fourth and brought the match to a close. We are moving on and we are very happy about it.”
Mladost will face the winner of Crvena Zvezda BEOGRAD (SRB) vs. Ribola KAŠTELA (CRO) in the Round of 16.