JSW Jastrzębski Węgiel advanced to the Final Four of the Champions League by defeating Olympiakos Pireus 3:0 in a decisive quarterfinal match held on March 19, 2025. The Polish team had previously lost to the Greeks 2:3 in the first leg, making the importance of this rematch paramount.
In a victory that solidified their formidable reputation, Jastrzębski Węgiel showcased a mix of talent and tenacity in their home arena. Set scores of 25:21, 25:21, and 25:19 reflected their dominance, driven by key performances from several players including Łukasz Kaczmarek and Anton Brehme.
Taking the court, Jastrzębski Węgiel knew they needed to secure at least a 3:0 or 3:1 win to advance without risking a "golden set" tiebreaker. The stakes were high. Coach Marcelo Mendez expressed confidence in his team leading up to the match, and his players did not disappoint, starting with an aggressive approach that set the tone for the evening.
The first set began with both teams trading points, but it was Jastrzębski Węgiel who pulled ahead late thanks to strong attacking plays from Tomasz Fornal. The set finale was characterized by impressive defensive efforts and a critical block by Kaczmarek, leaving Olympiakos unable to recover.
As the match progressed, the Polish champions maintained their intensity. In the second set, they quickly established an early lead at 4:1, showing their determination not to repeat the mistakes from the previous match in Greece. Despite a brief comeback by Olympiakos, Jastrzębski Węgiel regained control, with a series of critical points scored by Kaczmarek and Carle.
Finally, the third set saw Jastrzębski Węgiel continue to dominate. They utilized their momentum to create a comfortable lead, culminating in a decisive victory that not only secured the match but also their place in the upcoming Final Four.
In the post-match interview, Kaczmarek emphasized the importance of the win, stating, “Today’s performance demonstrated how strong our team is. It was a challenging mental game against Olympiakos, a team playing without anything to lose.” This sentiment underlined the psychological battle that both teams faced, enhancing the significance of their victory.
With this resounding success, Jastrzębski Węgiel moved on to face Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie in the semi-finals, set for May 17, 2025, in Łódź, where the Final Four tournament will be held from May 16-18. The matchup promises to be a highly anticipated Polish duel, as both teams vie for a spot in the finals of the prestigious Champions League.
The Final Four tournament represents not just a chance for glory, but also a platform for the Polish squad to showcase their talents on an international stage. Following their historical run in the previous year where they finished as finalists, Jastrzębski Węgiel aims to conquer this season’s challenges while continuing their pursuit of excellence.
The victory over Olympiakos was not just a simple match win; it was a reaffirmation of Jastrzębski Węgiel's strength in European volleyball, shaping their strategy as they prepare for the formidable challenge ahead in the semi-finals.
