To continue its European journey, in the double match of the CEV Champions League Quarterfinals, the Cucine Lube Civitanova will have to overcome the Turks and Halkbank Ankara, winners on red and whites in the Golden set last year in the same round. A tough rock, but a tempting chance for revenge. The first leg match will be staged in Ankara between Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 February (date to be defined), while the return match is already set for Wednesday 28 February (8.30 pm) at the Eurosuole Forum in Civitanova Marche.
General manager Beppe Cormio, who on Wednesday carefully observed in streaming Halkbank’s show of strength against the three-time European champions Zaksa in the Play Off round (defeat in the tie break in Poland and 3-0 victory in Turkey), speaks of a rival strengthened compared to last season and favored by the forecasts, but places the utmost confidence in the possibilities of a feat by Lube against champions of the caliber of Nimir and Ngapeth. On the menu of a spectacular Quarto a note of color is the family challenge between the brothers Lagumdzija, Adis and Mirza.
Beppe Cormio: “Halkbank’s victory over Zaksa was already probable on the eve of the double Play Off round because the European champions were missing their best athlete, the spiker Sliwka. Compared to last year, the Ankara team is even stronger because it has signed elements such as Ngapeth and Perrin, confirming its other strengths. Against the Poles, opposite number Nimir offered a sensational performance, no one has a striker like that at the moment. I therefore expected to face the Turks in the quarter-finals, who will also be the favorites on paper in the next round. Mindful of what happened last year, we will try to take revenge. I am convinced that our players can arrive at this commitment with the right energy and in the best shape. Cucine Lube Civitanova has the potential to play on equal terms against a strong opponent like Halkbank Ankara.”
