Victory puts Benfica in the lead in the Challenge Cup

The Benfica's volleyball team are in the lead in the Challenge Cup Last 32, after a 3-0 home victory over Iraklis (first leg).

Benfica, that arrived at this round after beating the Cypriots of Pafiakos Pafos, in the 2^nd round, winning both matches with a 3-0 result, saw the 1^st set start in a balanced manner, with several ties until reaching the 9-9 result. From then on, the power of the benfiquista service and the efficiency of the block surpassed the Greek Curtain and the reds ended up by winning the set, by 25-15.

Just like in the previous set, the balance in the first points was the keynote. Benfica extended the result to a 15-11, due to an effective service and a poor reception from the other side of the net. Nevertheless, Iraklis reacted and tied the match (16-16). Until the end of the 2^nd set, the result was always leveled, but the eagles managed to close it: 25-23.

At the beginning of the 3^rd set, Iraklis started better. Almost always in the lead, the Greeks even reached a 5-point advantage. But Benfica did not give up, tied up the match (16-16) and took the lead: 19-18. The men coached by Marcel Matz closed the match after winning the 3^rd set, by 25-23.

Benfica's Lineup: Rapha, André Lopes, Théo, Peter, Marc Honoré, Tiago Violas and Ivo Casas.

The second leg, this turn in Greece, will be played on December 6^th.

Highlights

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica