After a disappointing first leg in Bucharest, where Slovenian champion ACH Volley Ljubljana lost 1:3 and seemed to be in a difficult situation, Igor Kolakovic's team showed why its roster features so many Slovenian national players. In front of their home crowd in Tivoli Hall, the hosts managed to turn the series around, winning 3:1 (25:13, 19:25, 25:19, 25:19, 15:10) and forcing Romanian champion Dinamo to play a "golden set" – the moment when Tonček Štern and company demonstrated class and experience, winning emphatically 15:10.
Top Scorers and Key Players
ACH Volley relied primarily on their captain and leader Tonček Štern, who was once again the most dangerous weapon in attack. The experienced middle blocker Alen Pajenk also played a significant role, as did other Slovenian national players who showed stability in key moments and allowed the team to control the rhythm after the second set.
Individual Statistics
| Name | Points | Attack | Block | Aces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonček Štern | 34 | 28 attacks / 60% efficiency | 4 | 2 |
| Alen Pajenk | 18 | 12 attacks / 86% efficiency | 6 | 0 |
Štern led the team in both points and attack intensity, while his defensive saves and aggressive serves provided the necessary momentum in crucial moments. Pajenk impressed with an almost flawless performance and great attack efficiency, and his 6 blocks were a key factor in turning the series around. The host team's setter and Slovenian national team player, Gregor Ropret, received the highest rating of the match, perfectly guiding the game and contributing two single blocks for the win. In this specific element, the hosts outperformed their opponents with a 15/8 ratio, as well as in serving with 8/4 aces in favor of the Slovenians.
The Decisive "Golden Set" – The Moment When Experience Speaks
Although Dinamo arrived in Ljubljana with the ambition to finish what they started in Romania, immediately after the start of the "golden set" it became clear that the Slovenians had found the right rhythm. Strong serves, stable play by the national players, and Štern's leadership transformed the final minutes into a display of confidence – 15:10 and a complete comeback for ACH Volley.
The Upset Was Averted – ACH Volley Continues
After survival in the tournament required a mandatory 3:0 or 3:1 victory and a successfully won "golden set," ACH Volley Ljubljana showed that the team's experience and class are a factor that should not be underestimated. Dinamo's anticipated upset did not materialize.
The Slovenian champions continue to the third qualifying round of the Champions League, where a trueBalkan derby awaits us.- a match against the SerbianRadnički Kragujevac.
A match that promises a lot of excitement and a fight until the last ball.
