Champions League: victory for Halkbank, Olympiacos and Lüneburg in first leg of playoffs

Playoffs of 2024/25 CEV Champions League started today with all three games of first leg.
Turkish powerhouse Halkbank Ankara claimed a hard-fought 3-1 (25:27, 25:16, 25:21, 33:31) victory over Allianz Milano, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch on February 25 in Busto Arsizio, as Milan’s Fashion Week relocates the game.
The first set was a nail-biter, with the hosts taking a late lead, but defensive errors allowed the italian side to snatch a 25-27 win. The Turkish side responded with dominance in the second set, crushing Milano 25-16 and, building on that momentum, they also secured the third set 25-21 to eventually seal the victory in a dramatic fourth set, edging out the rivals 33-31.
Dutch outside hitter Dick Kooy led the charge scoring 23 points for the winners including 2 aces, 2 blocks and 59% in attack, earning the MVP award. Ferre Reggers was the only
player in double digit for Milano with 19 points.

Despite the loss, Allianz Milano remains optimistic about the second leg with head coach Roberto Piazza emphasized the need for minor adjustments, stating, “We were just two points away from a different outcome. We’ll be ready for the rematch.”

Olympiacos ONEΧ took a massive step toward quarterfinals with a crucial 1-3 (25:20, 20:25, 21:25, 23:25) away victory over Saint-Nazaire in France. Despite losing the first set, the Greek side staged an impressive comeback, led by Aleksandar Atanasijević, author of 19 points through 54% in attack, followed by Gordon Perrin who added 14 and Mitar Tzourits, also in double digit with 10 points.
With this result, Olympiacos needs just two sets in the second leg on February 27 in Piraeus to advance, where Jastrzębski Węgiel from Poland awaits in the next round.
The Greek side showed defensive resilience with 7 blocks and capitalized on the rivals’ errors.

Close the picture the tie break success of SVG Lüneburg over most-quoted Berlin Recycling Volleys, 3-2 (25:19, 23:25, 25:23, 24:26, 27:25), in all-German-derby. Making the difference in blocking, scoring 13 points from this element comparing to the rivals’ 3, the rivals were led in score by Xander Ketrzynski, top scorer of the match with 23 points through 42% in attack, 2 aces and 2 blocks, closely followed by Simon Torwie, who added 21, 1 ace, 67% in attack and as many as 10 winning blocks, Oskar Espeland who added 20 and Lorenz Karlitzek with 17.
Second leg in Max-Schmeling-Halle Berlin on February 27.

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🏐| 2024/25 CEV CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | Playoffs

FIRST LEG

👉🏼Wednesday February 12, 2025

📍TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall Ankara / A
• 17.00 (Local Time) | Halkbank Ankara (TUR) – Allianz Milano (ITA) 3-1 (25:27, 25:16, 25:21, 33:31)

📍LKH Arena Lüneburg
• 17.00 (Local Time) | SVG Lüneburg (GER) – Berlin Recycling Volleys (GER) 3-2 (25:19, 23:25, 25:23, 24:26, 27:25)

📍La Soucoupe Saint Nazaire
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Saint-Nazaire VB Atlantique (FRA) – Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) 1-3 (25:20, 20:25, 21:25, 23:25)

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SECOND LEG

Tuesday February 25, 2025
📍e-work Arena Busto Arsizio
• 20.45 (Local Time) | Allianz Milano (ITA) – Halkbank Ankara (TUR) 3-1 (25:16, 26:24, 23:25, 28:26) GOLDEN SET: 13-15
| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH

Wednesday February 26, 2025
📍Max-Schmeling-Halle Berlin
• 20.45 (Local Time) | Berlin Recycling Volleys (GER) – SVG Lüneburg (GER) 3-2 (25:13, 23:25, 23:25, 27:25, 17:15) GOLDEN SET: 13-15

Thursday February 27, 2025
📍Melina Merkouri Rentis
• 20.45 (Local Time) | Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) – Saint-Nazaire VB Atlantique (FRA) 3-1 (25:19, 18:25, 25:23, 25:21)

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