The Powervolleys Düren conceded their first defeat in the Champions League in the second game. Especially in the decisive moments, disadvantages against ACH Ljubljana became apparent.
Rafal Murczkiewicz, coach of Powervolleys Düren, apparently had a premonition before his team’s away game at ACH Ljubljana in the Champion League. “We’re up against a very experienced team with a lot of players who’ve played big games. There’s something coming up for us,” he said.
Power volleys with a strong start
What came up to the Düren handball players was not an overpowering team, but one that shone through being ripped off. A balanced game developed, but one in which the hosts were there at the crucial moments. And so in the end there was a clear 3-0 win for Ljubljana in sets.
The power volleys got off to a strong start and took a 5-1 lead in the first set. But then the Slovenians showed their class, came close and the game was evenly matched up to the score of 17:17 – before Ljubljana made the decision. With 25:20 the first round went to the favourite.
Düren is rewarded in the third set
It was similar in the second set, again the hosts shifted up a gear at the score of 17:17 and finally made it to 25:22. Düren had come back strongly after a weak start (3:9), but then lost again against the experienced opponents.
In the third set, however, it was different. Düren got off to a strong start (6:1) and maintained the lead, securing this respectable win with 25:21. However, the clear 13:25 in the fourth win sealed Düren’s first defeat in the Champions League after the 3:1 win on the first matchday against Ziraat Bankasi. On Saturday (November 19th, 2022) the top game in the Bundesliga against leaders Berlin Recycling Volleys is coming up for the Powervolleys.
