Belgium with first victory in the 2024 Golden EuroLeagueM
Report
The Red Dragons of Belgium congratulated themselves with a first victory at this year’s edition of the Golden EuroLeague Men after outclassing Azerbaijan in a League Round match of the competition.
The players under the guidance of Emanuele Zanini proved to be the better team after controlling the game throughout all the three sets and winning them at 25-19, 25-16 and 25-17, respectively.
Belgium finished better on all counts besides serving: 44 to 29 winning spikes, seven to four kill blocks. Azerbaijan recorded one more ace: five to four.
Ferre Reggers didn’t disappoint the fans in Topsporthal BEVEREN, finishing as top scorer with 23pts. (75% exc. in attack) to his name.
For Azerbaijan, Andrei Vasilenko recorded 11 (38% exc. in attack).
The Red Dragons stormed to a 3-0 point lead, but Azerbaijan quickly got into the rhythm of the game (5-5). Led by Andrey Vasilenko, the Azerbaijanis made it difficult for their opponents (13-13). However, more concentrated in the deciding moments, Belgium opened in their favour being slightly more efficient on attacking (16 to 13 winning spikes, 64% exc. to 52%).
The Belgian side started better in the second set as well (4-0 in their favour), and despite their rivals’ attempts to bring back the intrigue (7-6), the players around head coach Emanuele Zanini showed greater determination (20-13) emerging victorious and getting closer to the victory scoring more on their opponents’ errors (five to two) and still performing better on attack (15 to 11).
Belgium proved to be the better team in the third set as well, taking an early lead (5-2) and controlling the game (10-6) closing the match in their favour with no problems.
Emanuele Zanini“Showing aggressivity on the court was our goal for today. The level of the game in the first weekend, against Croatia and Finland was higher, but we finished with no points in our pockets, so we had to stay focused, respecting the opponent. We did our job right. Now, we think about North Macedonia- they are experienced, and dangerous. For us, every game is important.”
Head coach of Belgium
Vugar Bayramov“We are still a young team. We need to become better. We tried to show good volleyball, but the result is 3-0. Tomorrow, we face North Macedonia, and we will try our best.”
Player of Azerbaijan