Challenge Cup: Civitanova sweep SK Ankara to take first step towards final

Italian Cup winners Cucine Lube Civitanova celebrated a dominant 3-0 win (25:21, 25:17, 25:21) over SK Ankara from Turkey, better known in world of volleyball as Spor Toto, in the first leg of the Challenge Cup semifinal at the Eurosuole Forum. With this victory, Lube extends its perfect home record (14/14), also remaining undefeated in the tournament (7/7).
Now, they just need two sets in the return leg on February 25 to secure a spot in the final.
After a quite balanced start, the hosts reacted with strong attacks and solid blocking, led by MVP Eric Loeppky, top scorer of the match with 17 points including 2 aces and an impressive 71% in attack, matching Ankara’s Thomas Edgar, the only player in double digits on the losing side. Adis Lagumdzija with 13 points and Mattia Bottolo who added 10 points also proved to be decisive, ensuring a clean sweep.

Coach Giampaolo Medei praised the team’s performance but warned about Ankara’s home advantage: “Winning was crucial, but the job isn’t done. In Turkey, they’ll be even more aggressive.”

The decisive second leg is set for February 25 in Turkey. If Civitanova wins just two sets, they will advance to the final against either Sporting Lisboa or Bogdanka Luk Lublin, who won 3-0 in their first-leg match, played yesterday in Portugal.

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🏐| 2024/25 CEV Challenge Cup | Semifinals

FIRST LEG

Wednesday February 12, 2025
📍Pavilhão João Rocha SCP Lisboa
• 19.30 (Local Time) | Sporting CP Lisboa (POR) – Bogdanka LUK Lublin (POL) 0-3 (18:25, 22:25, 18:25)

👉🏼Thursday February 13, 2025
📍Eurosuole Forum Civitanova Marche
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Cucine Lube Civitanova (ITA) – SK Ankara (TUR) 3-0 (25:21, 25:17, 25:21)

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SECOND LEG

Tuesday February 25, 2025
📍TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall Ankara / A
• 16.00 (Local Time) | SK Ankara (TUR) – Cucine Lube Civitanova (ITA) 0-3 (19:25, 17:25, 16:25)

Wednesday February 26, 2025
📍Hala Globus Tomasz Wójtowicz Lublin
• 18.00 (Local Time) | Bogdanka LUK Lublin (POL) – Sporting CP Lisboa (POR) 3-0 (25:20, 25:22, 25:20)

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