The Berlin Volleys are off to a ripping start in the Volleyball Champions League, annihilating Benfica Lisbon 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21) in a thrilling encounter. With 5167 fans cheering them on in the Max-Schmeling-Halle, the Bundesliga leaders left no room for doubt, securing a well-deserved victory.
Initially, Berlin struggled to find their rhythm, but tenacious fight and timely intervention from key players, such as Marek Sotola, who racked up an impressive 19 points, and Timothee Carle, who demonstrated formidable offensive power, helped them turn the tide. The team notably improved their block defense and diagonal attack, leaving Benfica scrambling to catch up.
Lisbon gave their all in the third set, even managing to tie the game at 19-all. However, Berlin's unrelenting spirit got the better of them as Sotola's serving proved lethal, propelling the Berlin Volleys to victory.
Berlin now tops their group in the Volleyball Champions League, having made it through to the next round after their emphatic triumph over Benfica. Their astounding performance has cemented Berlin Volleys as a strong contender for the Volleyball Champions League title, with aspirations of claiming the coveted title.
As for the current standings, Berlin Recycling Volleys hold the second position with 12 points, trailing behind PGE Projekt Warszawa, who secured first place with 18 points. Meanwhile, Greenyard Maaseik and ACH Volley Ljubljana sit at the bottom with 2 and 4 points, respectively.
Berlin's journey doesn't stop here—their potential opponents in the playoffs are the winners of Pool D, either Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia or Halkbank Ankara, depending on the playoffs' outcome.
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