Drama in Milan: Halkbank Ankara overturns Allianz after epic Golden Set! 🏐🔥
An incredible volleyball night in Busto Arsizio! Allianz Milan was just a few points away from the Champions League quarterfinals, but Halkbank Ankara saved themselves at the last moment and, after a dramatic Golden Set (13-15), knocked the Italians out of the competition.
Strong start and hope for Milan 🌟
Milan needed to win 3-0 or 3-1 to reach a Golden Set, having lost the first match 1-3. The Italians started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in sets. In the third part, Halkbank showed signs of revival and narrowed the gap, but the hosts still managed to reach the decisive fourth set.
The decisive fourth set: Milan refuses to surrender ⚔️
At this moment, the stakes were huge: if Milan won, they'd go to a Golden Set; if Halkbank took it, the Turks would qualify directly.
Allianz started confidently (6-4, 8-6), but Sotola and company did not give up.
Milan missed several chances to build a more serious lead, and Sotola (32 points in the match!) kept the Turks in the game.
Kaziyski equalized at 19-19, but at 22-23 Cicekoglu blocked Luati with a key block.
The crowd held its breath as Kaziyski's serve flew to the sideline for 27-26, and Reggers closed the set at 28-26!
🏆 Golden Set \u2013 Milan was heading for victory", or so it seemed!
The Golden Set: Leal and Halkbank shock the hosts ⚡
Milan was flying towards the quarterfinals, leading 5-2, 7-5, 8-6 after the court change. Allianz looked like a sure winner at 11-9, but then Yoandy Leal stepped up to serve\u2026
🎯 At this moment everything changed!
Leal's serve made Milan's reception as difficult as possible.
Sotola made a counterattack for 11-12, and Reggers erred in attack ", 11-13!
Leal continued to pressure the opponent with stable serves, which gave Halkbank another opportunity to reach match point ", 12-14.
On the last point, Sotola slammed the ball down the line ", the first referee Boulanger did a video check, but the ball was in play. It's over ", 13-15 and Halkbank advances!
Heroes of the night 🎖️
✅ Marek Sotola (Halkbank) ", 32 points, 67% attack efficiency, 4 blocks.
Yoandy Leal (Halkbank) - not at his level in the first part, but served decisively in the golden set and changed everything.
✅ Matey Kaziyski (Milano) - 16 points (45%), a key role in the fourth set, but not enough for success.
Reggers (Milano) - 23 points, 54% in attack.
Porro (Milano) - 5 aces, but his team could not withstand the pressure.
What's next?
Halkbank Ankara qualified for the quarterfinals and will face Warsaw.
Italy still has two representatives in the next phase - Perugia and Monza!
One serve can change everything A Allianz Milano was on the verge of glory, but Yoandy Leal and Marek Sotola refused to give up. Just when Milano was one step away from victory, Leal's series of serves turned the match around and put an end to their hopes.
The Champions League continues, and this match will remain as one of the most memorable thrillers in the tournament! A A
Шампионската лига продължава, а този двубой ще остане като един от най-запомнящите се трилъри в турнира! 🔥🏐
