25/04/2018 11:40
Austria’s Volleyball wunderkind Buchegger recounts #CEVChallengeCupM success
2018 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup - Men
Ravenna, Italy, April 25, 2018. Bunge RAVENNA brought back a European trophy to their hometown for the first time in more than 20 years after emerging victorious from the 2018 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup – Men Finals with Olympiacos PIRAEUS. Back in 1997, Porto Area RAVENNA had claimed the top honours from the CEV Cup. The young Austrian opposite of Bunge, Paul Buchegger, scored 21 points in the return match with Olympiacos played before more than 11,000 fans at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus, thus becoming the real ‘man of the match’. The only 22-year-old Buchegger was the top scorer of the 2018 #CEVChallengeCupM with an impressive haul of 203 points in 10 matches, a way clear of runner-up Mikko Oivanen who scored 161 times for Olympiacos.
What does a trophy as important as the Challenge Cup mean to you?
This trophy is very special for me. It is my first title ever in a European competition.
What was Bunge’s main asset to win this competition? What were the most difficult moments?
I think the most difficult moment came in the second matchup against Maliye Piyango SK ANKARA in the semis. We had lost 0-3 at home and had to vie for a Golden Set in Ankara. This is where we showed our character.
What was your feeling at the end of the match against Olympiacos? How was the victory in front of so many people?
It was incredible. I had goose bumps when the fans started to sing. I really enjoyed playing in front of this amazing crowd, even if the fans were against us. However, the atmosphere was crazy!
How was it to live this season in Ravenna? What is the secret of your successes?
The life in Ravenna was extremely good. I enjoyed it a lot. The people are extremely nice and I like the city a lot as well. I felt comfortable on the court with my teammates. I tried to not think too much and just played match after match.
Now an intense period awaits you with the Austrian national team. What are your commitments in the summer and what are your team’s goals?
We will start on April 30 with the preparations for the Silver European League. It is important to find the right chemistry on the court as quickly as possible again. The second part of the season will follow later in the summer and our goal is clear: we want to qualify for the 2019 European Championship.
What are your career expectations and your dreams?
I want to grow as a player and be one of the best at the end of my career.
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