Pale, Bosnia and Herzegovina, October 23, 2019. Rookies Benfica LISBOA started in the best possible way their #CLVolleyM campaign as in their debut in Europe’s elite competition they seized a straight-sets victory over Mladost BRČKO in the Match of the Week. It has been 11 years since a Portuguese team has made it to #CLVolleyM stage as VITORIA SC featured in the 2009 edition. On the other hand, this is the third straight appearance in CEV Champions League Volley for the team of Brčko, but they have never made it to the pool phase so far.
Mladost BRCKO (BIH) vs Benfica LISBOA (POR) 0-3 (22-25, 17-25, 21-25)
• The visitors showed in front of 500 fans that there was an obvious difference in quality, and to qualify for the next round they now need to take two sets at home.
• Benfica took a comfortable lead in the beginning of the first set (11-5) but as the set was unfolding, the players around head coach Marcel Matz started losing concentration. The hosts took advantage of this and put some pressure, breathing down their opponents’ necks in the last minutes. Some unforced errors by the Portuguese allowed a brilliant comeback for the home team at 21-22. However, Benfica could emerge victorious.
• It was a close call in the second set, as both teams were struggling to find their rhythm in the beginning. The result was going point for point as to please the #CLVolleyM fans in the sports hall who would witness great plays and feel the fighting spirit on both sides of the net. However, step by step, the visitors found back their confidence and took the lead for 2-0 and 25-17 in their favour.
• Some great rallies and moments full of emotions marked the decisive part of this matchup. Both teams were following each other in the score until the 17th point, when the players from Lisbon claimed an edge and did not allow any surprises until the end of this #CLVolleyM Match of the Week.
• The most prolific player for Mladost was Jovan Delic with 14 points, while Josip Vojak had two less.
• Raphael Thiago Oliveira contributed the most with his 17 points to Benfica’s win. Hugo Fernando Lucas Gaspar recorded 13 points.
• The re-match will be taking place next Tuesday in Lisbon, and the eventual winners will play OK BUDVA of Montenegro in the 2nd Round.
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