PGE GiEK Skra Bełchatów did everything possible to extend the quarterfinal series in PlusLiga, but once again had to acknowledge the superiority of BOGDANKA LUK Lublin. In the second match, Stefan Antiga's team won 3:0 (26:24, 25:21, 25:22) and, without losing a set, qualified for the semifinals. The champions of Poland will await their opponent from the pair Warsaw – Wígel.
Right at the start of the match, the spectators in Bełchatów witnessed an extremely hard-fought first set. Lublin managed to secure an 18:15 lead, but the hosts reacted excellently and equalized at 22:22. In the decisive moments, however, Finn McCarthy stepped up to serve, making the difference and closing the set with an ace for 26:24.
In the second set, Skra started better and took a lead of several points, but Lublin quickly restored parity and even pulled ahead. Zuhair El Graoui's entry to serve unsettled the visitors' reception, but this proved not to be enough. In the end, the champions regained control and closed the set at 25:21.
In the third set, the hosts tried to get back into the match, but Lublin's stable defense and effective attack left no chance for a comeback. Mateusz Malinowski was practically unstoppable in offense, scoring from almost every situation. Skra's errors accumulated, and the champions took full advantage, closing the set with 25:22, thus ending the series.
The third set was no less dramatic. Skra led by five points, but the lead was melted down to just one at 18:19 after a video check. Strong attacks from McCarthy and Aleksander Grozdanov followed, and an attack error by Allan Souza led to the decisive break – 18:22. In the final rallies, Wilfredo León took the initiative and closed the match with key attacks, with the last point coming after a service out from Souza.
Mateusz Malinowski was named the most valuable player, and Alex Grozdanov played a key role with 10 points, a +9 efficiency rating, 2 blocks, and an impressive 73% attack success rate (63% efficiency).
For Skra, the top scorers were Allan Souza with 14 points and Daniel Chitigoi with 11.
Match statistics
| Indicator | Skra Bełchatów | Lublin |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 4 | 4 |
| Reception | 33% | 31% |
| Attacks (points) | 42 | 48 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Opponent errors | 18 | 20 |
Although the reception indicators are close, Lublin wins the match through higher attack efficiency and better execution in key moments. Additional points from blocks and opponent errors also tilt the balance in favor of the champions.
