The volleyball team of Benfica faced a challenging match in the CEV Challenge Cup, competing against Turkey’s Altekma. Despite a solid performance, Benfica was eliminated from the European competition.
Match Overview: Benfica’s Exit from the CEV Challenge Cup
In a critical second-leg match, Benfica traveled to Turkey. They needed to secure victory to advance to the quarter-finals after winning the first leg. The team was led by coach Marcel Matz, with players like Pablo Natan, Valerii Todua, and Tiago Violas in the starting lineup.
First Set: Strong Start for Benfica
Benfica began the match confidently, taking the first set 25-19. This early lead gave them hope for progression in the tournament.
Altekma’s Comeback
However, Altekma responded vigorously. They won the second set by an identical score of 25-19, leveling the match. With this victory, the Turkish team regained momentum.
Turning Point
The third set saw Altekma take control. They outperformed Benfica, winning 25-20, which shifted the match’s balance in their favor.
Final Set and Golden Set Drama
Benfica, determined to fight back, secured the fourth set 25-22, pushing the match into a decisive fifth set. The tension escalated as Altekma, under pressure to win, triumphed in the fifth set 15-11, pushing the match into a golden set.
Golden Set Outcome
In the golden set, Altekma clinched victory with a score of 15-13, ultimately marking Benfica’s exit from the prestigious competition.
Key Players and Statistics
- Benfica Starting Lineup: Pablo Natan, Valerii Todua, Lucas França, Tiago Violas, Felipe Banderó, Ivo Casas.
- Score of First Set: Benfica 25, Altekma 19
- Score of Second Set: Altekma 25, Benfica 19
- Score of Third Set: Altekma 25, Benfica 20
- Score of Fourth Set: Benfica 25, Altekma 22
- Score of Fifth Set: Altekma 15, Benfica 11
- Score of Golden Set: Altekma 15, Benfica 13
Benfica’s loss signifies another early exit from European competition, highlighting the competitive nature of the CEV Challenge Cup.
