The Golden European League enters its final stage
The moment has come for the four best teams from the regular season of the Golden European League to step onto the court and battle for the trophy. This year, the Final Four is hosted by the Czech Republic, and the semifinals, played on Saturday, offered spectators two decisive 3:0 victories, setting up a final where the hosts will face Finland.
Finland left no chances for Greece
In the first semifinal, Finland defeated Greece with a convincing 3:0 (25:19, 25:23, 25:20), although the scores do not fully reflect the contested moments in the match.
Initially, the Greeks showed resistance and an even game, with the score moving point for point until 8:7. But then the Finns managed to break through their defense and quickly built up a lead, reaching 16:9. The exceptionally strong blocking play (14 points from blocks for the entire match) proved decisive for the Scandinavians. In the first set, Joonas Jokela and Luka Marttila showed class and closed the set at 25:19.
The second set was the most dramatic. The Greeks managed to keep pace and resist, but at key moments, Jokela and Marttila once again came to the fore, securing the victory with 25:23.
In the third set, Finland again imposed its rhythm, despite the efforts of Athanasios Protopsaltis and Lampros Pittakoudis to bring Greece back into the match. The Finns maintained a stable lead and concluded the match after a service error by Vangelis Vaiopoulos — 25:20.
Team rosters
Greece:Protopsaltis (12), Raptis (9), Mouchlias (8), Voulkidis (5), Pittakoudis (4), Kasampalis (1), Tsiavras (libero) and the remaining reserves.
Finland:Jokela (23), Marttila (14), Ronkainen (10), Ivanov (4), Tiinismaa (5), Savonsalmi (4), Koikka (libero).
Czech Republic dethrones leader Israel and will play for gold in front of its home crowd
In the second semifinal, the Czech Republic fully utilized its home advantage and defeated favorite Israel with a 3:0 (25:14, 26:24, 25:23). The Israelis, who finished first in the regular season, were considered the main contender for the title, but the Czechs displayed a courageous and inspired game.
The first set was entirely dictated by the hosts. The Czech Republic built a solid lead — 8:4, 16:8 — and thanks to a powerful attack and 11 points from blocks, easily closed the set at 25:14. Lukáš Vašina was the team's leader, supported by Zajicek and Klimes.
The second set offered more intrigue. Israel took an 8:5 lead, but could not withstand the pressure, and the Czech Republic capitalized on every error to turn the game around and triumph with 26:24. Martin Licek joined Vašina, while Mark Rura tried to keep the Israelis' hopes alive.
In the third set, the Czechs again started strong — 8:2, 16:10 — and despite the late awakening of Lieberman, Rura, and Havers, the match ended 25:23.
Team rosters
Israel:Lieberman (14), Rura (11), Bachkala (6), Goldrin (4), Hazan (2), Ariel, Roitman (libero), Havers (3), Maron (1), Chansky.
Czech Republic:Vasina (17), Licek (12), Peri (13), Zajicek (6), Klimes (5), Bartunek (2), Monk and Kovarík (libero), Sotola (1).
The Final: Czech Republic vs. Finland for the crown
Thus, today's final will pit the Czech Republic and Finland against each other in a battle for gold. The Czechs will rely on the full stands and the inspired play of Vasina, while Finland will seek the power of their block and the attacking duo Jokela - Marttila, who have shown great form.
An exciting clash is expected, which will determine who will triumph in the 2025 Men's Golden European League.
photo:cev
