Radostin Stoychev's Halkbank Ankara couldn't stand up to the class of Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia, who won 3:0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-22) in the Champions League semi-final clash, qualifying for the grand final in Lodz. The Turks started strong and put the Italians under pressure in the first and third sets, but Perugia's stars Ishikawa and Ben Tara took responsibility in crucial moments and tipped the scales.
🔝Yuki Ishikawawas the undisputed star of the match with 20 points (2 aces, 1 block, 59% attack efficiency). The Japanese outside hitter played with exceptional ease and precision, as his attacks went over and through the Turkish team's block.
🧱Opposite Hitter Ben Taraalso played a key role with 14 points (1 ace, 1 block) and an impressive 63% attack success rate, bringing stability and power at the net.
⚔️ For Halkbank, Leal was the top scorer with 13 points (incl. 1 ace), and Dick Kooy added 12 points and 2 aces. Despite the efforts of their leading attackers, the Turkish team could not withstand the powerful serves and tempo of the Italian champions.
🎯 Perugia demonstrated championship spirit and patience, turning all three sets around in decisive moments. And with their star attack (53% for the Perugia team) and stable block (10 for Perugia vs. 5 for Halkbank), the Italians once again asserted themselves as a favorite for the trophy.
Thus, Perugia secured a spot in the final of the most prestigious European club tournament, where they will have the opportunity to fight for the trophy against one of the Polish teams JSW JASTRZEBSKI Węgiel or Aluron CMC Warta ZAWIERCIE, who face each other in the other semi-final tomorrow.
Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia: Ben Tara 14, Colaci (L), Giannelli 3, Herrera Jaime 1, Ishikawa 20, Leoser 5, Piccinelli, Plotnytskyi 7, Sole 6. Not in play: Semeniuk, Candelaro, Cianciotta, Usovic, Cappelari. Coach: Lorenzetti Angelo.
Halkbank Ankara(TUR): Bidak 1, Matic 4, Done (L), Leal Hidalgo 13, Kooy 12, Ma'a 1, Sotola 9, Tayaz 6. Not in play: Cicekoglu, Ivgen, Lagumdzija, Uzunkol, Dilmenler, Unver. Coach: Stoychev.
