Finland edge closer to #EuroLeagueM finals with away win in Odense

On Sunday, Finland recovered from an early setback to edge Denmark 3-1 (16-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20) in the first round of the men’s CEV Volleyball European League 2026 semis. The Finns, winners of last year’s European Golden League, remain well in contention for another shot at such a triumph – and were able to keep their immaculate record in the competition this far after a streak of six straight wins in the League Round. 

Even though the Danes caught a flying start by taking the first set in emphatic style (25-16), the Finns responded well and avoided a first loss at the hands of their opponents in 24 years, thus improving their historical record in matches with Denmark to 33 wins (to six losses only). Luka and Nooa Marttila scored 16 points apiece for Finland as the Golden League 2025 winners out-blocked their rivals (8 vs 6) and served more consistently as well, recording seven aces against four for the hosts. What made the difference, especially in key moments, were the errors – as Denmark conceded as many as 30 vs 23 for the Finns. Oskar Kjerstein Madsen and Mads Kyed Jensen were again the top scorers for Denmark with 19 and 16 points, respectively. 

Still, everything remains to play for on Wednesday, July 1, since Finland need to win the return match as well in order to progress to the final – where they would play the Netherlands, two-time 3-1 winners over Israel in the other semi-final. When the two teams play each other again in Nokia, Finnish setter Fedor Ivanov will reach 100 caps with the national team. Moreover, the Finns will return to Nokia and the AGCO Power Arena with great memories from the venue since this is where they secured their place last summer in the Golden League Final Four with a win over Croatia. The players coached by Olli Kunnari will hope this is a good omen…