SVG Lüneburg become first #CEVCupM semi-finalists

SVG Lüneburg have advanced to the semi-finals of the CEV Volleyball Cup 2026 | Men after eliminating Alterna SPVB Poitiers with two victories in the quarterfinal series. The German side won the first match at home 3-1 (25-23, 25-22, 22-25, 25-14) and repeated the same result in Poitiers on Tuesday evening, prevailing 3-1 (29-27, 19-25, 26-24, 26-24).

Alterna SPVB POITIERS (FRA) vs. SVG LÜNEBURG (GER) 1-3 (27-29, 25-19, 24-26, 24-26)

The opening set was marked by a tight battle, with the teams exchanging the lead throughout the early stages. Neither side managed to build more than a one-point advantage until mid-set, when Lüneburg moved ahead 15-12. The visitors maintained their edge, but Poitiers closed the gap to 19-18 and soon levelled the score at 21-21. Lüneburg responded with two consecutive points to lead 23-21 and then 24-22. Poitiers fought back to 24-24, setting up a dramatic finish before the German side finally converted their sixth set point to claim the opener 29-27.

After 32 minutes of play in the first set, Axel Enlund led Lüneburg with seven points on an impressive 78% attack efficiency, while Jackson Howe and Ethan Champlin added four each. For Poitiers, Thomas Pujol scored five points (including one ace, 57% positive reception and 44% attack), while Kevin Kobrine contributed four (one ace, 50% attack).

The second set followed a similar pattern early on, with both teams locked in a balanced contest. Lüneburg briefly pulled ahead 12-10 and 13-11, but Poitiers responded strongly, first levelling at 13-13 and then taking the lead at 15-13. The hosts continued to extend their advantage to 17-14, 20-16 and 22-17 before closing the set 25-19 to level the match at 1-1.

Tom Picard scored five points for Poitiers (71% attack), while Simon Magnin (two blocks) and Pujol added four each. For Lüneburg, Enlund collected four points, including one block.

Poitiers started the third set strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead and later extending it to 13-8 and 14-10. However, Lüneburg gradually closed the gap to 14-13. The French side responded with another push, leading 16-13, 19-16, 22-19 and eventually reaching three set points at 24-21. Yet the German team mounted a remarkable comeback, levelling at 24-24 before taking the lead at 25-24 and converting their first set point for a 26-24 win – and a decisive 2-1 lead in sets that secured their place in the semi-finals.

Pujol led Poitiers with eight points in the set (one block, 83% positive reception, 54% attack). For Lüneburg, Daniel Gruvaeus also scored eight points on 73% attacking efficiency, while Champlin added five points with an outstanding 83% attack success rate. Poitiers recorded 60% positive reception in the set, compared to 48% for Lüneburg.

In the fourth set, coaches Daniel Lewis and Stefan Hübner rotated their line-ups, giving opportunities to players from the bench. Poitiers initially led before Lüneburg moved ahead 13-11. The hosts equalised at 14-14 and regained the lead at 16-14, only for Lüneburg to draw level again at 16-16. The closing stages were played point for point. Poitiers held narrow leads at 20-19 and 21-20 before Lüneburg turned the score around to 22-21 and earned a first match point at 24-23. The visitors converted their second opportunity to seal the set 26-24 and complete a 3-1 victory.

SVG setter Santeri Välimaa was named MVP. Enlund led the winners with 14 points, Gruvaeus added 13, while Champlin finished with 10. For Poitiers, Pujol topped the scoring chart with 17 points, while Magnin and Picard each contributed 10.

“The hall was loud, the atmosphere was good, Poitiers played well,” said SVG head coach Stefan Hübner, looking back on the setting afterwards. “Ethan [Champlin] served sensationally at the end of the third set. To be so cool-headed at 22:24... That's what it's all about: when someone takes heart and does something really good. At that moment, everyone was fully focused. We knew that if we got the chance, we would take it. It was sensational to create that moment. Now we will see who we get as our opponent in the semi-finals. We beat a team from a good league – and we are proud of that.” 

In the semi-finals, Lüneburg will face the winner of the clash between Greenyard Maaseik and Galatasaray HDI Istanbul. In the first match played in Istanbul, the Belgian side claimed a 3-2 victory. The return leg will take place on Wednesday at 20:30 in Maaseik.