Tourcoing Lille Métropole was a step away from a golden set in the 1/32 finals of the CEV Cup against Greenyard Maaseik, after losing the first match in Belgium 1:3. In the return match in France, the hosts won 3:2, but this proved insufficient to reach a decisive golden set.
In the first two sets, the French team completely dictated the game and quickly built a comfortable lead – 25:14 and 25:21. In the third set, however, the visitors from Maaseik turned the trend, took an early lead, and closed the part without particular problems at 25:23.
The most important, fourth set, started in an identical way – the Belgians controlled the tempo and led 21:14. Tourcoing managed to cut the deficit to 20:24 and even saved two match points to 22:24, but with the next attack, Pierre Perrin, who finished second in scoring for the winners in the match, ended the dispute. Thus, Greenyard Maaseik won the necessary two sets and qualified for the next phase of the tournament.
The tie-break was for Tourcoing – 15:11, as the hosts overcame the disappointment and secured a prestige victory in front of their home crowd.
Individual Highlights
Veny Antov was once again excellent for Tourcoing, finishing with 19 points, +10 in efficiency rating, and 46% attack efficiency. The top scorer for the hosts was Ignacio Luentas with 21 points.
For Greenyard Maaseik, Sil Meys scored the most points – 26, and Pierre Perrin played a key role in the decisive moments.
Team Statistics (return match)
| Category | Tourcoing | Greenyard Maaseik |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks (points) | 5 | 9 |
| Attack efficiency | 50% | 44% |
| Positive Reception | 70% | 52% |
| Perfect Reception | 38% | 28% |
| Service aces | 7 | 2 |
| Points from opponent errors | 32 | 30 |
Overall team statistics favored Tourcoing – better percentages in attack and reception, as well as a clear advantage in service. However, blocking tipped the scales towards the Belgians (9:5), which proved decisive in key moments.
Focus on the Fourth Set
| Category – IV Set | Tourcoing | Greenyard Maaseik |
|---|---|---|
| Points from opponent errors | 8 | 9 |
| Blocks (points) | 1 | 4 |
| Attack points | 11 | 12 |
| Attack efficiency | 42% | 52% |
| Service aces | 2 | 0 |
The fourth set clearly shows why Greenyard Maaseik progresses. The Belgians had superiority in blocking (4:1) and higher attack efficiency, which neutralized Tourcoing's advantage from service. This part was decisive in the clash, despite the hosts' overall better statistics in the match.
First match
10.12.2025 | Maaseik (Belgium)
Steengoed Arena, 123 minutes
Greenyard Maaseik – Tourcoing Lille Métropole
3:1 (23:25, 25:23, 25:22, 25:15)
Return match
06.01.2026 | Tourcoing (France)
Complexe Sportif Leo Lagrange, 145 minutes
Tourcoing Lille Métropole – Greenyard Maaseik
3:2 (25:14, 25:21, 23:25, 22:25, 15:11)
Greenyard Maaseik (Belgium) qualified for the next phase of the CEV Volleyball Cup 2026, while Tourcoing Lille Métropole (France) may regret that strong statistics did not materialize into a golden set.
photos: cev.eu
