Challenge Cup: Allianz Milano dominate in Poland, Lidemans Aalst won at tie break

Allianz Milano took a big step toward the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup semi-finals with a convincing 0-3 (23:25, 20:25, 21:25) away victory over Steam Hemarpol Politechnika Częstochowa, currently last-placed in 2025/26 Plusliga, in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
The Italian side controlled the match from start to finish, showing greater efficiency at the net as well as from the serve line, while the hosts stayed competitive early in each set but struggled to convert decisive moments, allowing Milano to capitalize when it mattered most.
Head coach Roberto Piazza praised his team’s focus and determination, noting their ability to stay disciplined and deliver the best possible result in a demanding away clash.
Something different happened in Belgium, where the hosts Lindemans Aalst needed five sets to prevail over PAOK Thessaloniki from Greece, winning the game with the score of 3-2 (25:20, 20:25, 25:27, 25:20, 15:8), with Henry Rempel who earned MVP honors.

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🏆| 2025/26 CEV Challenge Cup | Quarterfinals

FIRST LEG

👉🏼Tuesday February 10, 2026
📍Sportcentrum Schotte Aalst
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Lindemans Aalst (BEL) – PAOK Thessaloniki (GRE) 3-2 (25:20, 20:25, 25:27, 25:20, 15:8)
📍HSC Czestochowa
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Norwid Czestochowa (POL) – Allianz Milano (ITA) 0-3 (23:25, 20:25, 21:25)

Wednesday February 11, 2026
📍Sala Sporturilor “Gheorghe Tadici” Zalau
• 18.00 (Local Time) | SCM Zalau (ROU) – Altekma SK Izmir (TUR) 2-3 (25:19, 11:25, 25:18, 22:25, 12:15)

Tuesday February 17, 2026
📍Sport Hall Gopass Arena Bratislava
• 19.00 (Local Time) | VK Slovan Bratislava (SVK) – Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) 2-3 (25:21, 19:25, 25:22, 24:26, 12:15)

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SECOND LEG

Tuesday February 17, 2026
📍PAOK Palace Sport Thessaloniki
• 19.00 (Local Time) | PAOK Thessaloniki (GRE) – Lindemans Aalst (BEL) 2-3 (20:25, 21:25, 25:18, 25:23, 12:15)

Wednesday February 18, 2026
📍Sport Hall Gopass Arena Bratislava
• 19.00 (Local Time) | Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) – VK Slovan Bratislava (SVK) 1-3 (25:21, 18:25, 21:25, 21:25)
📍Atatürk Voleybol Salonu Izmir
• 19.00 (Local Time) | Altekma SK Izmir (TUR) – SCM Zalau (ROU) 2-3 (25:27, 25:21, 25:19, 23:25, 15:17) GOLDEN SET: 15-12
📍Allianz Cloud Milano
• 20.30 (Local Time) | Allianz Milano (ITA) – Norwid Czestochowa (POL) 2-3 (30:28, 25:23, 21:25, 21:25, 8:15)
| PHOTOGALLERY OF THE MATCH

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