On May 4, 2025, Sada Cruzeiro claimed victory in the Superliga Masculina de Vôlei, defeating Vôlei Renata/Campinas by a score of 3 sets to 1 (18-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21) in a thrilling final held at the Ginásio do Ibirapuera in São Paulo. This victory marks the ninth title for Sada Cruzeiro in the history of the competition, tying them with their rivals Minas Tênis Clube as the most successful teams in the league's history.
The final match attracted a crowd of over 10,000 enthusiastic fans, who witnessed a dramatic turnaround after Sada Cruzeiro had a disappointing exit in the quarterfinals last season. The match lasted 2 hours and 8 minutes and was characterized by intense competition and strategic gameplay.
In the first set, Vôlei Renata took control early, showcasing a strong performance that allowed them to secure a comfortable lead and ultimately win the set 25-18. The Campinas team, led by setter Bruninho, capitalized on mistakes from the Cruzeiro side, who struggled with 11 errors in that opening set.
However, the tides turned in the second set when Cruzeiro's coach Filipe Ferraz made crucial substitutions, bringing in Oppenkoski and Gabriel Vaccari for Wallace and Douglas Souza. The changes paid off immediately as Cruzeiro surged ahead, taking an early 4-1 lead. The set remained tightly contested, with Campinas narrowing the gap to just one point at 14-13. Yet, Cruzeiro managed to hold their ground and closed the set at 25-23, tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set proved to be even more competitive, with both teams exchanging leads frequently. Lucão, who was instrumental throughout the match, scored a pivotal point that helped Cruzeiro take a slight edge at 10-7. The atmosphere intensified, with both teams exchanging points until the very end. Eventually, Lucão sealed the set for Cruzeiro with a powerful attack, finishing it 25-23.
Entering the fourth set with a 2-1 lead, Cruzeiro started strong, quickly establishing a 3-0 advantage. They maintained this momentum, extending their lead to six points at one stage. Despite a late push from Campinas, who managed to cut the deficit to three points at 23-20, Cruzeiro's experience shone through. The match concluded with a service error by Judson from Campinas, giving Cruzeiro the championship point and the title.
Lucão emerged as the standout player of the final, scoring 14 points and earning the MVP award as well as the Troféu Viva Vôlei. This accolade adds to his impressive career achievements, as he now boasts eight Superliga titles, equaling the record set by former libero Serginho.
With this victory, Sada Cruzeiro not only reclaims their position at the top of Brazilian men's volleyball but also solidifies their status as a dominant force in the sport. This season alone, they have clinched five titles, including the Supercopa do Brasil, Campeonato Mineiro, Sul-Americano, and the Mundial de Clubes, showcasing their exceptional performance across various competitions.
The final match also highlighted the tactical prowess of coach Filipe Ferraz, who secured his ninth title with Cruzeiro, adding to his legacy in Brazilian volleyball. Under his guidance, the team has consistently performed at a high level, reaching 67 finals and winning 57 championships throughout their history.
As the dust settles on this thrilling Superliga season, fans and players alike look forward to what the next season will bring. With the rivalry between Cruzeiro and Campinas intensifying, the stage is set for another exciting chapter in Brazilian volleyball.
In summary, Sada Cruzeiro has once again proven their mettle, overcoming adversity and showcasing their championship pedigree in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and skill. The journey to the top has been filled with challenges, but with their latest triumph, they have reaffirmed their place as one of the giants of Brazilian sport.
