Ziraat Bank ANKARA with an important step towards the #CEVCupM trophy
Recap
The Turkish powerhouse of Ziraat Bank ANKARA made an important step towards winning their first European Cup trophy. The players around head coach Mustafa Kavaz survived a real Volleyball thriller against the defending champions of Asseco Resovia RZESZOW, and claimed a 3-2 win after 147 minutes of play in the fully packed RCWS Podpromie RZESZÓW sports hall.
More than 4,200 Volleyball fans became witnesses of a Volleyball spectacle, delivered by the two teams, and contributed for a fantastic atmosphere.
The deciding rematch is scheduled for next week, when, on April 9, the Turkish side will welcome on home soil their Polish opponent, having the opportunity to lift their very first international trophy.
Asseco Resovia RZESZOW 2-3 Ziraat Bank ANKARA
It was clear right after the first referee whistle that the two sides were more than ready to fight for the win. After a cat-and-mouse game in the opener, where none of the teams was able to create a point difference, it was the home side that eventually emerged victorious after 27-25.
Ziraat “returned the favour” in the second set, and after a close call again, tied the set score at 1-1 (25-21).
The same scenario unfolded in the third set - the two teams were trying to find their opponents’ weak spots, not allowing their opponent any opportunity to break away. However, supported by their loyal fans, Asseco got closer to the win at 25-23.
After a point-for-point race in the fourth set, this time around, the Turkish side prevailed for 25-23, bringing the game into a deciding fifth set.
Ziraat stormed to a 5-1 lead in the tiebreaker. However, Asseco didn’t give in easily, keeping the intrigue in the match alive (13-13). Led by Matt Anderson, the players of Ankara showed nerves of steel, claiming the all-important win at 19-17.
Statistically, Ziraat edged their opponents in attack (64 to 59 winning spikes) and in block (16 to 13 kill blocks). Both sides finished with seven aces each.
Anderson, who contributed significantly in the deciding moments, was named MVP of the game (28pts.), while his teammate Wouter ter Maat finished with the same number of points.
Matt Anderson“I am really proud of our team. Something that Rzeszów does really good, is putting a lot of pressure on us with serving and with high balls. We had to respond, we did good on defence, cut some good blocks, touches. I am optimistic about the next match. We have a good chance, we have to recover, and prepare, and see where we can do better.”
MVP of the game