From the rollercoaster of the SuperLega Credem Banca to the 10 cum laude climb towards the Semifinals of the CEV Champions League 2024. In the quarterfinals of the continental tournament, Cucine Lube Civitanova eliminated Halkbank Ankara with a victory in four sets (25-23, 20-25 , 25-15, 25-23) in the return, which adds to the 3-1 privateer scored a week ago in Turkey. A result that qualifies the red and whites for the possible Italian derby in the next round against Trentino Itas, who won the first leg in Berlin and will host the Teutonic team for the return leg tomorrow, Thursday 29 February.
After three forced stops in the Quarterfinals (four if we also count the Semifinals reached, but canceled due to the pandemic in 2020 after the passage of the round against Roeselare) Cucine Lube Civitanova will return to play for the pass to reach the continental Final, with the dream of his third Champions League. The entry among the four best teams in Europe is already a test of strength that certifies the good work done by the Club and the value of the protagonists of the enterprise.
Lots of applause for the Norwegian setter Thelle, who came in after two exchanges to replace De Cecco, victim of an intestinal problem, and was up to the task despite the few opportunities to play during the year. There was also much applause for the captain, who was able to grit his teeth and get back into the third set, the decisive one for going through to the round. MVP of the match is Anzani, author of 4 fundamental blocks and authentic leader. Yant top scorer with 18 points, followed by Nikolov (17) and Lagumdzija (15 with 1 ace and 4 blocks). For Ankara in double figures Ngapeth (17), Nimir (13), Perrin (10) and Tayaz (10).
Cucinieri lined up as in the first leg with De Cecco at setter (replaced after a few exchanges by Thelle and back on the court only in the third and decisive set for qualification) and Adis Lagumdzija as opposite, Anzani and Chinenyeze in the centre, Nikolov and Yant on the flanks, Balaso free. Turks lined up with Ma’a in the control room and Nimir opposite, Matic and Tayaz in the center, Ngapeth and Perrin on the wing, Done as an Iberian.
In the first set (25-23) after an initial failure by Lube and the almost immediate exit of De Cecco, the game was played point to point. The hosts win by trade, but they are superior in blocking (3-1 winners), they score the only ace and attack with greater precision well triggered by the Norwegian Thelle.
Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA – Halkbank ANKARA 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-15, 25-23)
CUCINE LUBE CIVITANOVA: Chinenyeze 3, Thelle 5, Motzo, Bisotto, Balaso (L), Lagumdzija 15, Nikolov 17, Diamantini 5, De Cecco, Anzani 4, Bottolo 2, Larizza 3, Yant Herrera 18. Non entrati: Cremoni. All. Blengini.
HALKBANK ANKARA: Perrin 10, Ivgen, Matic 5, Lagumdzija 1 Done (L), Ngapeth 17, Unver, Ma’a 1, Abdel-Aziz 13, Ulu 3, Tayaz 10, Coskun, Blankenau. Non entrati, Uzunkol. All. Kovac.
ARBITRI: Cambré (BEL), Strandson (EST).
Durata: 30’, 27’, 22’, 28’. Totale: 1h 47’.
NOTE: Civitanova: battute sbagliate 19, ace 3, muri 13, attacco 52%, ricezione 58% (30% perfette). Ankara: battute sbagliate 21, ace 2, muri 10, attacco 46%, ricezione 57% (35% perfette). Spettatori: 3.291. MVP: Anzani.
