ç It was not an easy start for Benfica to the season. After losing the Iberian Cup final to Sporting, they said goodbye tonight to the Champions League, where they fell in the first round of the qualifying rounds for the group stage. It was dramatic, as the Eagles only fell in the Golden Group against CE Guaguas. After losing 3-1 in Spain, in the first leg, Benfica, in Luz, had to win the return leg 3-0 or 3-1, to take the tie to a tiebreaker. They won 25-17, 21-25, 26-24 and 31-29. But they did not continue in the Golden Group, surrendering 15-11, after almost always leading the semi-final, but it stopped at 11-11. In the end, the players and coaches did not hide their disappointment, especially Andre Alexo, who scored 23 points. “It is difficult to talk about this ending. I had in my mind that we would get through this stage,” said the Brazilian, promising the fans a reaction in the upcoming matches. “We always do our best with a lot of commitment.”
Marcel Matz praised the players' behaviour, but said he was “very disappointed and angry with the defeat”. “Now it's time to rest and prepare for the Super Cup.”
Specifically, next Sunday, in Santo Tirso, there will be a new derby to determine the first national cup.
As for European competitions, Benfica have now “qualified” for the CEV Cup, where in November they will face the Belgian team from Volley Haasrud Leuven, in the round of 32.
“Writer. Communicator. Award-winning food junkie. Internet ninja. Incurable bacon fanatic.”