Setbacks for #CLVolleyM Semifinalists in National Playoffs

This weekend brought surprising results in the domestic leagues for the #CLVolleyM semifinalists: While Perugia failed to close out their semifinal series in Italy, both Polish powerhouses Jastrzębski and Zawiercie suffered opening-match defeats in their national semifinal campaigns, putting additional pressure on the upcoming fixtures.

In the Italian SuperLega, the CEV Champions League Volley semifinalist of the country, Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia were one win away from reaching the national final but were stopped in their tracks by a determined Cucine Lube Civitanova. In a must-win match for Civitanova, the team displayed impressive consistency from start to finish, claiming a 3-0 sweep (25-23, 25-20, 25-21) and forcing a decisive fifth match in the series.

Aleksandar Nikolov, one of the rising stars of Bulgarian volleyball, led the way for Civitanova with 15 points, while Mattia Bottolo followed with 14. Despite double-digit contributions from Wassim Ben Tara and Kamil Semeniuk (11 each), Perugia were unable to match their opponents’ energy and execution. The final clash of this thrilling semifinal series will take place on April 24, determining who will face Itas Trentino in the title match.

In Poland, the PlusLiga semifinals got underway with both CEV Champions League semifinalists falling in their opening games. Regular season winners, Jastrzębski Węgiel hosted Bogdanka LUK Lublin and started strong by taking the first set. However, Lublin responded with relentless pressure and strong play to claim the next three sets and stun Jastrzębski with a 3-1 win (23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-22).

Polish experienced player Wilfredo León was a standout performer for Lublin, scoring 25 points and earning the MVP honor with a complete performance that included four blocks and three aces. On the Jastrzębski side, Timothée Carle and Tomasz Fornal contributed 14 and 13 points respectively, but their efforts were not enough to turn the match.

Meanwhile, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie engaged in a five-set battle against PGE Projekt Warszawa. Warszawa stormed to a 2-0 lead before Zawiercie mounted a strong comeback to force a tie-break. However, Warszawa held their nerve in the decider and secured a 3-2 win (25-22, 25-20, 17-25, 19-25, 15-12).

Polish middle blocker Jakub Kochanowski was awarded the MVP with a 12-point effort, including three blocks, while German opposite Linus Weber led Warszawa with 20 points. On the losing side, Karol Butryn stood out with 19 points for Zawiercie.

With crucial matches ahead, all three #CLVolleyM semifinalists will now look to rebound quickly to keep their national title hopes alive.