Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia solidified their leading position in Group C of the Champions League after defeating Guaguas Las Palmas 3:1 (26:24, 25:19, 21:25, 25:20) in a match officiated by Bulgarian referee Lyubomir Sirakov.
The Italians snatched the first set after a tough battle and high-intensity play, and then held the initiative in key moments.
The intrigue for the Bulgarian audience also came from the appearance of former national setter Dobromir Dimitrov, who came on for the Spaniards in the first and fourth sets, trying to bring a fresh impetus to their game. Ultimately, however, Perugia's class and more stable play in the decisive rallies tipped the scales in favor of the hosts.
The most effective players for the winners in the match were Ben Tara and Plotnytskyi with 16 points each, while Juantorena and Bruno scored 17 each for Guaguas Las Palmas, but even those were not enough for more than a set won. Plotnytskyi was named MVP of the match.
In the first match on Spanish soil, Las Palmas managed to take a point from the European and World Club Champion, losing the match in Gran Canaria 2:3. Dobromir Dimitrov and co. are still third in the group with 4 points, with their next match on February 12 against the Berlin team, and Prague hosts Perugia.
