20/12/2016 12:11
Russian armada determined to march from triumph to triumph
2017 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
Kazan, Russia, December 20, 2016. Having recorded a comprehensive victory over Arkas IZMIR at the season’s outset, titleholders Zenit KAZAN are getting ready for their first home game in the group stage of the 2017 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men. The Russian armada will be in high spirits after their triumphant victory in the Russian Cup this past weekend when they host France’s PARIS Volley in the capital of Tatarstan on Wednesday night.
Last week Vladimir Alekno and his players claimed the Russian Cup after sweeping four matches in a row at the Final Six held in Surgut. In the semis Zenit KAZAN literally smashed Dinamo MOSCOW in three consecutive sets (3-0) before edging Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK 3-1 in the final match. Matthew Anderson top scored in both matches as he successfully sealed most of the attacks compared to a not yet fully recovered Wilfredo Leon Venero who has been struggling with some severe injuries this season.
“The hardest thing was to physically bear the strain and high pace of so many matches played one after the other. All the guys are tired now, and some players have suffered micro-traumas that kind of affected the quality of their performance in the final matches we contested in Surgut. Therefore, this victory is really very precious to us,” said Zenit KAZAN setter Alexander Butko.
“Our next goal is to retain the Champions League title. We have to win it and make our way to the 2017 FIVB Men’s Club World Championship that this year will be taking place in spring,” added Zenit KAZAN libero Alexey Verbov.
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