PGE Projekt Warsaw took a significant step towards the Final Four in the Champions League after defeating Bogdanka LUK Lublin 3:1 (25:14, 23:25, 26:24, 25:20) in the first quarter-final, played at Torwar Hall in the Polish capital.

Warsaw imposed control from the very beginning, quickly taking the initiative with strong serving and stable net play. The hosts dictated the rhythm and did not allow the Polish champions to find consistency. Lublin responded in the second set, where they improved their counter-attack game and briefly leveled the playing field. However, problems with game organization and fluctuations at key moments remained. The third set was the most dramatic. At 23:23, Alex Grozdanov distinguished himself with a crucial block for Lublin, keeping the suspense alive, but in the subsequent rallies, Warsaw showed greater effectiveness and closed the set. In the fourth set, the hosts again took the initiative, directing their serves towards Lublin's problematic reception zones. This led to a series of counter-attacks and a decisive lead that Warsaw did not relinquish until the end.

National team captain Alex Grozdanov (Lublin) finished with 5 points, +3 efficiency, 3 blocks, and 40% attack efficiency, intervening decisively in key situations, especially in the third set.
Bartosz Bednorz was the top scorer for Warsaw with 21 points, receiving significant support from Kevin Tillie (16)-MVP and Bartosz Gomułka (15). For Lublin, Hilir Eno scored 19 points, Mateusz Malinowski finished with 15, while Wilfredo León was limited to just 12 points – indicative of the visitors' attacking problems.

Team Statistics

Warsaw had a clear advantage in attack and especially in reception, which explains their better control over the match. Lublin had more blocks, but poor reception and more service errors limited the effect of this advantage.
The second match is on April 1st in Lublin, where Grozdanov and company will need to seek a 3:0 or 3:1 victory to force a 'golden set'.

photo:cev.eu