The volleyball players of ACH Ljubljana, led by Montenegrin coach Igor Kolaković, failed to achieve the feat of qualifying for the knockout stage of the European club elite in a strong Champions League group with two super rivals - Italian Trentino and Turkish Zirat Bank, writes odbojka.me.
There was a glimmer of hope that the Slovenian champion could advance as the best third-placed team from five Champions League groups, but that hope was dashed after a home defeat to strong Trentino in a packed Tivoli Hall - 1:3 (21:25, 17:25, 25:22, 23:25).
He led ACH 19:17 in the first set, when the team from Trento tightened its ranks and showed strength.
"Impressions are mixed. We had a very good start, but our rival stopped us with excellent serves. Even 13 aces received and 14 service errors are too many at such a high level and that element decided the winner," said Kolaković.
The European season is not over for his team, ACH Volej holds third place, which brings the continuation of the competition in the CEV Cup. To maintain that position and continue the European mission, Kolaković's team must not lose to Tours in France in the final round - it is enough to win two sets to advance.
Zirat banka confirmed the first place in group A and a direct placement in the quarter-finals, the second-placed Trento goes to the round of 16.
The brilliant Lublin, a team playing in top form, defeated Halkbank in Istanbul 3:2 and secured first place in Group B and a place in the top eight. The other traveler to the knockout stage will be decided in the last round and there is a huge "crowding" - Rozelard and Galatasaray have seven points each (the Belgians won in the fifth set of their dramatic duel) while Halkbank, with four, still believes they can go through at least as well as the best third-placed team.
Perugia definitely "pushed back the curtain" in Group C and secured a quarter-final spot with a convincing win in Prague, while Berlin and Las Palmas are competing for the round of 16.
In the Polish derby in Group D, Rešovija defeated Zavjerće 3:0 and extended the suspense, although there is a high chance that both Polish rivals will advance - Zavjerće first, Rešovija second.
In Group E, the biggest surprise of the round - Montpellier defeated Lube Citanova 3:2 and extended their hopes of reaching the round of 16. The Italians are also mathematically first, despite the defeat.
Results of the 5nd round
GROUP A
Luck - Zirat Banka 1:3
ACH Ljubljana - Trentino 3:1
Table: Zirat Bank 15, Trentino 11, ACH Ljubljana 3, Tur 1.
GROUP B
Roselar - Galatasaray 3:2
Halkbank - Lublin 2:3
Table: Lublin 12, , Roselar 7, Galatasaray 7, Halkbank 4.
GROUP C
Prague - Perugia 0:3
Las Palmas - Berlin 3:1
Table: Peruđa 14, Berlin 8, Las Palmas 6, Prag 2.
GROUP D
Sporting - Luneburg 3:1
Rešovija - Zavjerće 3:0
Table: Zavjerće 12, Rešovija 9, Luneburg 6, Sporting 3.
GROUP E
Montpellier - Lube Civitanova 3:2
Luven - Warsaw 2:3
Table: Lube Cittanova 13, Warsaw 9, Montpellier 7, Leuven 1.
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