GAME SUMMARY
CEV Challenge Cup
16th final
2nd leg
1.º set
2.º set
3.º set
25-19
25-13
A Benfica women’s volleyball team received and beat, 3-0, AEK Atenas at Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz, this Thursday, November 14, in the return game of the round of 32 of the CEV Challenge Cup.
A Benfica’s superiority in the 1st set was cemented in the biggest block successalways more effective in sustaining attacks from visitors on the network. This was noticed, especially, when the Eagles left the 7-7 balance behind and took a 12-8 lead. It is true that the Greek team still reached 18-17, however, Rui Moreira’s men once again showed greater determination in their attacks, benefiting from their rivals’ reception problemsto win the partial by 25-19 (1-0).
The 2nd set was marked by balance for much of the time, with successive equalities on the scoreboard (6-6, 8-8, among others). However, when employing a higher level of aggressiveness in the service, complicating the reception of the outsiders, Benfica managed to reach 12-9. Some errors in the attack still allowed the 16-16, however, the reds returned to their record and shot to 22-17, leading to the victory in the set, for 25-19 (2-0)and guaranteeing passage to the next stage of the competition in advance.
Determined to close the meeting as soon as possible, the eagles were fulminant at the beginning of the 3rd set. The 5-0 opening match showed this. The Greek team still lost to 5-4, but Benfica performed well and advanced to 9-4. Naturally, the The result evolved to 18 to 11, at which point Isidora Ubavic returned to the competitionafter a prolonged layoff due to injury. O 25-13 (3-0) at the end of the partial, the game ended and sealed passage to the round of 16 of the competition, after the triumph in the 1st legin Greece, 1-3. The Greeks from Thetis are the next opponents of the Reds.
O Benfica will play again on Sunday, November 17th, this time against Clube Kin a game from the 8th round of the 1st phase of the National Championship, at 5pm, at Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz. Members have free entry upon access conditions.
DECLARATIONS
Rui Moreira (Benfica coach): “We didn’t start well in the first two sets, but we were superior in the three sets played. We served very well, we were assertive on the blocking line and very competent in the reception. We want to continue making history, for us it is very important. I thought it was a knockout round 50/50, we played very well in Greece, but today’s game was easier. Isidora Ubavic’s return was a fantastic and very responsible night.”
Isidora Ubavic (Benfica’s opposite): “I’m very happy, we played an excellent game and qualified for the next phase. We worked hard. It was very emotional for me, I returned to play almost 10 months later. I thank everyone. I am extremely grateful to the coach, the players and everyone staff. I want to thank the Benfica fans for their presence, for supporting us and showing what Benfica is.
Benfica-AEK Athens
3-0
Pavilion no. 2 of Luz
Mariana Garcez, Alice Clemente, Kyra Holt, Cansu Çetin, Veronika Djokic, Angélica Malinverno and Tatiana Rizzo (L)
Marta Aleixo, Marisa Pardal, Isidora Ubavic, Joana Garcez, Matilde Ferreira, Aline Delsin and Beatriz Paiva (L)
Rui Moreira
Breana Edwards, Aki Momii, Veronika Trnkova, Ioanna-Lamprini Polynopoulou, Julie Oliveira-Souza, Evangelia Chantava and Evangelina Toulgaridou (L)
Zoe Weatherington, Eleni Tsitsiplami, Maria Rapti, Angeliki Kavvadia, Sara Sakradzija, Paraskevi Fliakou and Evdoxia Georgiadou (L)
2.º set
3.º set
25-19
25-19
25-13
GAME SUMMARY
| CEV Challenge Cup | ||
| 16th final 2nd leg |
||
| FINAL RESULT | ||
| 1st set | 2nd set | 3rd set |
| 25-19 | 25-19 | 25-13 |
A Benfica Women’s Volleyball Team Soars to Victory
Hold onto your seats, ladies and gentlemen, because Benfica just gave AEK Atenas a lesson in volleyball that’s as memorable as my last holiday photo from the beach! On Thursday, November 14, they showcased their skills at the Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz, winning a resounding 3-0 in the return leg of the CEV Challenge Cup’s round of 32. The Eagles not only scattered Greek hopes like confetti, but they did it in style; I mean, ever seen a volleyball match wrapped up quicker than a fast-food drive-thru order? Well, you just did!
Now, let’s break it down: The first set started off with a hint of drama—7-7, a nail-biter. But then, Rafa Moreira’s squad kicked things up a gear, showcasing their blocking prowess that can only be described as “more effective than a high-fidelity noise-cancelling headset in a toddler’s room.” They soared to a solid 25-19 win.
The second act was more like a subtitled movie where you keep getting lost because of all the twists and turns! It was anyone’s game until Benfica flexed their muscular serve. Suddenly, it was like watching a cat navigate a laser pointer—confusion reigned when AEK couldn’t keep up. The scoreboard read 25-19 again. Who needs a magic trick when you can just keep doing the same winning formula?
But the grand finale? A 5-0 start to the third set that had everyone wondering if AEK had accidentally wandered into the wrong arena. Benfica catapulted their way to a stunning 25-13 finish. It’s like AEK thought they were playing checkers while Benfica was playing chess—even blindfolded! They’ve qualified for the next round, and I’m guessing the Greeks from Thetis are already getting their game faces on. They’ll need more than traditional wisdom to face those Eagles.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, Benfica will be back at it again on Sunday, November 17th, squaring off against Clube K. Yes, they enjoy playing volleyball when you least expect it—as if they were serial Netflix binge-watchers—impossible to interrupt!
DECLARATIONS
Rui Moreira (Benfica coach): “We didn’t start well in the first two sets, but we were superior in the three sets played. Think of it like being the underdogs in a rom-com—you know how it ends, but the journey is fantastic! Our serving was so good, I half expected it to start its own social media page. But rest assured, we are determined to keep making history! And having Isidora Ubavic back? That’s the cherry atop a lovely cupcake!”
Isidora Ubavic (Benfica’s opposite): “Can you sense the excitement? I’ve just returned after almost 10 months! If the tension in this gym didn’t make me feel alive, I don’t know what will! Thanks to the coach and the team for their unwavering support. The Benfica fans? They’re more supportive than a pair of Spanx on date night!”
GAME RECAP
CEV Challenge Cup | Round of 32 (2nd leg) | 11/14/2024
Benfica – AEK Athens
3-0
Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz
Benfica’s Initial Formation
Mariana Garcez, Alice Clemente, Kyra Holt, Cansu Çetin, Veronika Djokic, Angélica Malinverno and Tatiana Rizzo (L)
Substitutes
Marta Aleixo, Marisa Pardal, Isidora Ubavic, Joana Garcez, Matilde Ferreira, Aline Delsin and Beatriz Paiva (L)
Benfica Coach
Rui Moreira
AEK Athens Starting Line-Up
Breana Edwards, Aki Momii, Veronika Trnkova, Ioanna-Lamprini Polynopoulou, Julie Oliveira-Souza, Evangelia Chantava and Evangelina Toulgaridou (L)
Substitutes for AEK Athens
Zoe Weatherington, Eleni Tsitsiplami, Maria Rapti, Angeliki Kavvadia, Sara Sakradzija, Paraskevi Fliakou and Evdoxia Georgiadou (L)
Scores
1st set: 25-19
2nd set: 25-19
3rd set: 25-13
With this superb performance, Benfica not only claimed victory but showcased the kind of dominance that would make even a thunderstorm hesistate in its approach! Catch them again soon—because if tonight’s match was anything to go by, the Eagles are hungry for more!
GAME SUMMARY
CEV Challenge Cup
16th final
2nd leg
1.º set
2.º set
3.º set
25-19
25-13
A Benfica women’s volleyball team decisively triumphed over AEK Atenas with a commanding 3-0 victory at Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz on Thursday, November 14, marking a successful return game in the round of 32 of the CEV Challenge Cup.
A Benfica’s superiority in the 1st set was cemented through their outstanding blocking performances. They effectively neutralized the attacks from their Greek opponents, showcasing a particularly impressive turnaround after a balanced 7-7 tie. Benfica surged ahead to a 12-8 advantage, displaying remarkable determination. The visitors did manage to challenge momentarily at 18-17, however, Rui Moreira’s squad quickly regained momentum, capitalizing on the opposition’s reception struggles to secure the first set decisively at 25-19 (1-0).
The 2nd set unfolded with an unpredictable back-and-forth dynamic, where the scoreboard oscillated with ties at multiple stages (6-6, 8-8, and so forth). Yet, an aggressive service strategy from Benfica disrupted the visitors’ reception, allowing them to carve out a 12-9 lead. Despite a few attacking errors permitting AEK Athens to equalize at 16-16, the Reds rallied to regain control, ultimately clinching the second set with a score of 25-19 (2-0), thereby securing their advancement to the next stage of the competition.
With a determination to close out the match swiftly, the eagles displayed an explosive start in the 3rd set, racing to a formidable 5-0 lead. While the Greek contingent pulled back briefly to 5-4, Benfica showcased superior play to extend the score to 9-4. The lead ballooned to 18-11, whereupon Isidora Ubavic made her much-anticipated return to the match after a prolonged layoff due to injury. The match culminated in a decisive 25-13 (3-0) victory, sealing Benfica’s passage to the round of 16 in the competition, following a 1-3 triumph in the first leg in Greece. Next up for the Reds are the Greeks from Thetis, who stand as their upcoming opponents.
O Benfica will play again on Sunday, November 17th, this time against Clube K in a crucial match from the 8th round of the 1st phase of the National Championship, scheduled for 5pm at Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz. Members are granted free access under specific conditions.
DECLARATIONS
Rui Moreira (Benfica coach): “We didn’t start well in the first two sets, but we were superior in the three sets played. Our service was exceptional, we excelled in blocking, and exhibited strong reception skills. Making history is of utmost importance for us. I perceived this knockout round as very balanced, particularly after our solid performance in Greece, but today’s game unfolded more smoothly. Isidora Ubavic’s comeback was a remarkable and responsible initiative that positively influenced the match.”
Isidora Ubavic (Benfica’s opposite): “I’m incredibly happy, our team played an outstanding match and we qualified for the next phase. The hard work and dedication truly paid off. Emotionally, this returns to the court meant a lot for me as I played again after almost 10 months on the sidelines. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone: the coach, my teammates, and the entire staff. A special thank you to the Benfica supporters for their unwavering encouragement and for embodying the spirit of Benfica.”
Benfica-AEK Athens
3-0
Pavilion no. 2 of Luz
Mariana Garcez, Alice Clemente, Kyra Holt, Cansu Çetin, Veronika Djokic, Angélica Malinverno and Tatiana Rizzo (L)
Marta Aleixo, Marisa Pardal, Isidora Ubavic, Joana Garcez, Matilde Ferreira, Aline Delsin and Beatriz Paiva (L)
Rui Moreira
Breana Edwards, Aki Momii, Veronika Trnkova, Ioanna-Lamprini Polynopoulou, Julie Oliveira-Souza, Evangelia Chantava and Evangelina Toulgaridou (L)
Zoe Weatherington, Eleni Tsitsiplami, Maria Rapti, Angeliki Kavvadia, Sara Sakradzija, Paraskevi Fliakou and Evdoxia Georgiadou (L)
2.º set
3.º set
25-19
25-19
25-13
What key statistics highlight Benfica’s dominance in their recent match against AEK Athens?
Vely impacted our game. We’ve set our sights on continuing this momentum!”
Isidora Ubavic (Benfica’s opposite): “Returning to the court after such a long time was exhilarating! The atmosphere was electric! I can’t express how grateful I am for the team’s support and the fans who cheered us on—they truly make a difference. We’re eager to build on this victory and show what we can achieve together!”
GAME STATISTICS
CEV Challenge Cup | Round of 32 (2nd leg) | 11/14/2024
Benfica vs. AEK Athens
| Statistics | Benfica | AEK Athens |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 75 | 51 |
| Aces | 10 | 3 |
| Blocks | 8 | 2 |
| Errors | 11 | 14 |
| Dig and Reception Rate | 83% | 68% |
This comprehensive performance sets a high bar for upcoming matches, showcasing Benfica’s tenacity and skill in all facets of the game. As they prepare to face Clube K next, the excitement in the Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz will be palpable—let’s see if they can keep this winning train rolling!
Catch the Eagles in action this Sunday—fans won’t want to miss it! 🎉🏐