Haak and Gabi resolved after two and a half hours of suffering and 5 match points canceled by the Turks, who went ahead twice in Veneto and played it point for point. In the end it was a victory, but with only 2 points, which could weigh on the final ranking
CONEGLIANO-ZEREN 3-2 (23-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 20-18)
The twenty-third consecutive victory in the Champions League for Conegliano arrives after two and a half hours of authentic suffering (with 5 match points cancelled), but it loses a point which could be significant in the final ranking of the group stage. Conegliano starts well (12-8), but the block of the former panther Malinov and the inaccuracies of the yellow-blue defense mark the development of the first set. The 4 aces suffered by the reigning champions also weighed heavily and, despite Zhu Ting’s return, they never really managed to get going. Zeren continues to play at a high pace, but Conegliano finds the Gabi of his best days who drags his teammates to equalize the score. The Brazilian puts 9 balls on the ground with 80% in attack and receives with 78%. Santarelli asks for and receives greater aggression starting from the first touch, rejecting the comeback which leads to the advantage from 21-18. The Panthers start off strong (8-5), but the guests react (9-11). Santarelli anticipates the double substitution with Ewert and Adigwe replacing Haak and Wolosz, returning to parity at 19. Aleksic blocks Daalderop twice for 22-24, giving Zeren the first point in the standings. Conegliano regains the maximum advantage (13-9), despite struggling to stem Malinov’s play and Uzelac’s attacks. The Turks exaggerate some attacks, the Panthers extend their lead 20-14, but they in turn waste, restoring confidence in their opponents (21-20). Haak solves all the problems and leads the team to the tiebreak. The Swede herself and Gabi miss two attacks (1-3), but Fahr raises the wall. Ankara is more precise and escapes 5-8, avoiding suffering breaks for a while (8-11). An outside attack from Lazareva makes it 10-11, but Uzelac is a decision. Fahr cancels the first of three match points, Haak the second and third. Aleksic makes it 14-15, Gatina sends out, Haak hits the line on serve but then makes it 16 all. Uzelac sends it out, Gatina narrows the diagonal, Haak arrives again (18-17), but Lazareva responds. Gabi plays on the block, then Haak lets out the final sigh of relief.
Conegliano: top scorer Haak 29, blocks 13, aces 2.
Zeren: top scorer Uzelac 24, blocks 10, aces 10.