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After a flawless 2026 CEV European League campaign so far without losing a single set, the Netherlands continued their perfect path taking a 1-3 (23:25, 30:28, 23:25, 19:25) win in first leg of semifinals against Israel at the SaZa Topsporthal in Doetinchem (home of both games).
Despite the defeat, outside hitter Shay Mayo Liberman, who already leads the European League scoring charts with 134 points, left the court as top-scorer with 24 points through 62% in attack and 1 ace, while his teammates Mark Rura added 21 through 61% in attack and 1 ace too, one less than Silvester Meijs, who led the today’s winners with 22 points, 64% in attack and 2 blocks.
Both teams staying close throughout the early stages of the game, until the serving of Joris Berkhout, when the Netherlands created a small lead (11-9), but Israel turn the score around to 15-13. Coach Joel Banks immediately called a timeout to settle his team, and the Dutch fought back impressively, levelling at 19-19 before an exciting finish followed. On the crucial points, the Netherlands kept their composure, with a decisive kill block by Siebe Korenblek sealing the opening set 25-23.
Balance also in sencod set, after the Netherlands edged ahead 13-11.
Israel quickly responded, and neither team managed to create a consistent lead into the closing stages. Banks introduced Twan Wiltenburg and Saimen Hage late in the set, but after both substitutes left the court, the Dutch found themselves trailing 23-21. The Netherlands saved multiple Israeli set points and forced an extended finish, but eventually Israel edged the set 30-28 to level the match.
The Netherlands made an excellent start to the third set, with Wiltenburg entering the starting line-up. Tom Koops’ serving immediately helped the Dutch race into a 4-0 lead, although Israel quickly erased the deficit. Trailing 7-6, Banks brought Rik van Solkema onto the court for Yannick Bak. The substitution proved decisive as he helped stabilise the Dutch attack. With the score tied at 13-13, Coach Banks called another timeout to refocus his side. The Netherlands gradually built a 23-20 advantage before surviving another tense finish. Van Solkema scored the winning point to give the Dutch a 2-1 lead in sets.
In fourth set, both teams stayed close early on, but midway through the set the Netherlands created the decisive gap, extending their lead to 18-14 before the decisive 20-16. This time there was no comeback from Israel as the The Netherlands calmly closed out the match, securing a well-deserved 25-19 set win and a 3-1 victory overall.
The return match follows already tomorrow, on Sunday, 28 June, at 1:00 PM, when the finalist will be decided.
If the Netherlands will progress to final, it will play first leg away from home on 8 July, with the return leg is scheduled for 11 July at the Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague.
In the other semi-final, last year’s Golden League winners Finland face Denmark. Finland already expect a sold-out AGCO Power Arena in Nokia for the return match on July 1.
Interestingly, the two have played each other 38 times, with Finland leading the way with an impressive record of 32 wins! Denmark’s last victory came 24 years ago, in 2002 during the Nordic Championships!
First leg in Odense is scheduled tomorrow at 5.00pm local time!
IN PROGRESS. DEAR ITALIAN “JOURNALISTS”, PLEASE RESPECT MY JOB AND THIS TIME NO ITALIAN TRANSLATIONS, PLEASE!
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🏐| CEV Volleyball European League 2026 | LEAGUE ROUND MATCHES | Semifinals
FIRST LEG
👉🏼Saturday June 28, 2026
📍 SaZa Topsporthal Doetinchem
• 15.00 (Local Time) | Israel (4) – The Netherlands (1) 1-3 (23:25, 30:28, 23:25, 19:25)
Sunday June 29, 2026
📍 Odense Idrætshal Odense V
• 17.00 (Local Time) | Denmark (3) – Finland (2)
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SECOND LEG
Sunday June 29, 2026
📍 SaZa Topsporthal Doetinchem
• 13.00 (Local Time) | The Netherlands (1) – Israel (4)
Wednesday July 1, 2026
📍 AGCO Power Arena Nokia
• 18.15 (Local Time) | Finland (2) – Denmark (3)
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