Sport LISBOA e Benfica v BERLIN Recycling Volleys

Sport LISBOA e Benfica

• The game against Berlin Recycling Volleys will be more special for Benfica player Ivo Casas. In the present moment, Ivo Casas has 79th games in European Competitions as a Benfica player, he is the player with the most games of the club's history.
• Brazilian distributor Luís Rodrigues is the latest addition to Benfica's volleyball team: "It's my first experience outside of Brazil and coming to a club and team as recognized as Benfica is an honor and a pleasure. I know that volleyball in Europe is at a high level."
• The Eagles are still unbeaten in the Portuguese League. The last victory was against Vitória SC (0-3).
• Marcel Matz (SL Benfica head coach): “My expectation of the team is that it will always be an even match. We know how difficult it is to play in the Champions League, but we've had, for example, balanced games with Piacenza. We need a little more to win the sets, but we can improve some variables and be in contention at the end of sets. These Champions League opponents make very few mistakes, and we must be efficient.”
• Ivo Casas (SL Benfica player): “It's a team fighting for qualification and for that reason, we will not find a relaxed Berlin. They will want to win the game. As far as we are concerned, we will try to make it difficult for them, even though we know it will be complicated. The 80 games in the European competitions that I will make is a sign of longevity in the Club and that they are pleased with my work.”

BERLIN Recycling Volleys

• The BR Volleys have travelled to Lisbon with 13 out of 14 players. Due to a meniscus operation, outside spiker Robert Täht will not be able to return to team training until the squad is back from its trip to Portugal.
• The Estonian international was nevertheless able to make himself useful: When some pieces of luggage with shoes and jerseys were missing when landing in Lisbon on Monday, Täht helped solve the problem. He collected replacement equipment for his team-mates, which was handed over to the fans travelling to Lisbon at the airport in Berlin on Tuesday morning.
• The BR Volleys had some pleasant breaks from 23 December onwards, as they only had to play two games in the Bundesliga. Both were won 3:1 at home (DÜREN and NETZHOPPERS KW), meaning that they remain unbeaten nationally.
• A total of five Berlin players are familiar with the atmosphere at Pavilhão da Luz Nº 2 from their guest appearance in 2021, when the German Champion won 3:1 and provided the MVP of the evening in Timothée Carle.
• Ruben Schott (#13 Captain and outside spiker): "Everybody saw in the first leg how Benfica can put us under pressure with their serve and that pressure will certainly increase in Lisbon. They also showed good reception against us, but I see clear potential for us to improve our service compared to the first leg. I hope we can get back on track with a good start and keep rolling. We've had a bit of a break and need to get our rhythm back. Our heads and bodies are ready for this important game. There is a different focus and pressure on the match now. We know that our victory against Ankara will be worth little if we don't go one better now. Unfortunately, we narrowly missed two opportunities to win away from home. Now probably our biggest chance awaits."