Through in the Challenge Cup!

Benfica's volleyball sealed the presence in the 16th finals of the Challenge Cup, after an emphatic 0-3 triumph, in the 2nd leg of the 2nd qualifying round of the competition. Against Pafiakos Pafos, the eagles were superior in both legs and deservedly go through to the next round.

It was with a 3-0 lead secured in the match from the 1st leg at Luz, that the Eagles traveled to Cyprus. Against the Cypriot champions, a clear objective: to remain focused and to put in a good performance focus to seal the presence in the 16^th finals of the competition.

At Afrodite Pafos, the host team had a strong start and got in front, a situation that lasted until the 10 points, the time when Benfica tied the match and move into the lead. The eagles ended up winning the first set by 20-25: 0-1 in the game.

Second set and a new triumph for the reds. The eagles dominated the set from start to finish: 20-25… and 0-2 in the game!

Benfica entered the third set on the front foot and achieved a comfortable lead. The home team never gave up, but the men under Marcel Matz controlled the set with quality, class and a lot of ambition, closing the set with a clear 15-25... 0-3 in the game! A well-deserved win.

Starting lineup: André Lopes, Rapha Oliveira, Theo Lopes, Tiago Violas, Peter Wohlfahrtstätter, Marc Honoré, and Ivo Casas.

The Challenge Cup returns on November 28, Wednesday, with Benfica starting the clash from 16th finals of the competition at Pavilion n. º 2 from Luz. The eagles play the 1st leg against the Greek team of Iraklis Petosfirisi 2015, in a game that will start at 8:30 pm.

Text: Sónia Antunes

Pics: SL Benfica