The new signing of the Romanian giant, Branimir Grozdanov, did not participate in the match, and Dinamo experienced a true European drama in France. After a 3:0 victory in the first leg in Bucharest, the Romanians went to Poitiers thinking they were one step away from the playoffs – only two sets or a win in the 'golden set' were needed.

In the regular three sets, however, everything collapsed – Alterna Poitiers won decisively 3:0 (25:22, 25:16, 25:12) and sent the clash into a decisive outcome.

There, Dinamo seemed to wake up. They led 10:7, then 13:10, and even reached match point for qualification at 14:13… but failed to close out the match. Poitiers survived and snatched the 'golden set' with 16:14, and with it, qualification.

Statistics show why: from 17 blocks in the first match in Romania, this time Dinamo made only 4, and positive reception dropped from 63% to 34% – a difference that is unforgiving in Europe.

The most effective players were Petza and Premovic with 11 points each; Jonatas Cardoso, who played for DEYA Burgas, added 8 points. But ultimately, the campaign ended in the most painful way – one point away from their dream.