Tectum ACHEL celebrate momentous victory in Hartberg

The City of Hartberg Sports Hall was filled with excitement on Wednesday evening as fans gathered for the 16th Final of the CEV Volleyball Cup 2026. TSV Raiffeisen HARTBERG hoped to show a strong performance in their home match against Tectum ACHEL from Belgium, but the night did not go as planned. The visitors played with confidence and control, while the home side struggled from the very beginning.

Both teams started the first set nervously, but ACHEL quickly found their rhythm. The Belgian team served well, defended with stability, and attacked with power. HARTBERG, on the other hand, made many mistakes and could not find their usual level of play. As the match continued, the difference between the teams became clearer and clearer. ACHEL stayed consistent, while the locals delivered their weakest match of the season. In the end, ACHEL won the game with a comprehensive 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-18). 

Statistics reflected the same picture: HARTBERG had problems in attack and defence, while ACHEL used their chances effectively. The visitors impressed with strong blocking and smart plays at important moments. Even though some of the local players showed effort, the team as a whole could not turn the match around.

After the final whistle, the disappointment on the Austrian side was obvious. The General Manager summed up the evening honestly: “There was not much good today, but matches like this happen in a long international season. I am sure the team will show a different performance in Belgium and fight to force the Golden Set.”

Meanwhile, the nearly 30 travelling fans from Belgium celebrated loudly in the hall, proud of their team’s strong performance and important away win.

For HARTBERG, the situation is now difficult but not impossible. The team knows they must improve a lot in the second match if they want to keep their European journey alive. ACHEL, with their confident win, travels home with a strong advantage - but in Volleyball, anything can still happen.