Lisbon, Portugal, October 29, 2019. Benfica LISBOA continue their journey in the #CLVolleyM after claiming a second consecutive win over Mladost BRČKO in Round 1 of Europe’s elite competition. The players from Lisbon seized another straight-sets victory vs their opponents and this way qualify for the next round of the competition where they will meet the Montenegrin team of OK BUDVA, with the first match between both teams taking place next week already, on November 5. 

Benfica LISBOA (POR) vs Mladost BRČKO (BIH) 3-0 (25-18, 32-30, 25-18)

• This match was the first-ever home match played by Benfica in the #CLVolleyM, so the expectations for a good result were high. 
• Everything went smoothly in the first set for the host team as they were controlling the game, not allowing their opponents to cause any problems. During all the set, Raphael Thiago Oliveira and his teammates were leading with a comfortable point difference.
• The visitors showed their real face in the second set and put up a fight as the game went point for point. Both sides showed a good performance on the net with some great blocks that amazed the fans who were attending the match in Pavilion nº 2 of da Luz complex. A great battle turned out to unfold in the last minutes of this set, with Mladost very close to equalising the set score. However, the players coached by Marcel Matz could emerge victorious and take a 2-0 lead. 

• Despite being disappointed because of having lost the second set, the players from Bosnia and Herzegovina entered well determined the court in the third set and Benfica could not establish their rhythm until the 12th point. Peter Wohlfahrtstätter with a stable performance on the service line helped secure the eventual success of Benfica, as his serve was a key moment in the set in terms of taking control of the game.
• Jovan Delic from Mladost was the best scorer and MVP of the game with 22 points, while for the winners Oliveira put 15 to his name.

Marcel Matz, head coach of Benfica LISBOA: “I think that our team played well in the second set. The score was at 21-18, and to lose that lead was dangerous because we just needed to win that set to qualify to the next round, but we achieved the first goal - which was to clinch the win and of course the two sets that would hand us the qualification to the next stage. Therefore, I wish to congratulate my players. The team went through a tough cycle of four matches in six days, but all the players did very well both physically and mentally.”

Peter Wohlfahrtstätter, player of Benfica LISBOA: “I think we have a higher level than them but when they find their rhythm, they can become dangerous, therefore we could not play too relaxed. We had to stay focused and I believe that we did a good job. We knew how they would play, and we did our job to go to the next round.”

Branko Misic, head coach of Mladost BRČKO: “This game was very difficult for our team mentally. I think we played quite well in the first set. In the second set, I think we were the better team, but we had a huge pressure from a psychological standpoint, especially because we have many young players in the team. They do not cope well with this kind of game and situations.”

Almir Colo, player of Mladost BRČKO: “It was very difficult, but I think we played well, especially in the second set. I think Benfica are the favourites in the next round. We are cheering for them to reach the group stage of the Champions League.”

For further information, click here.