FC Porto lose Iberian volleyball cup final to SC Braga | OneFootball

FC Porto lost 3-2 to SC Braga in the final of the Iberian Volleyball Cup, thereby failing to defend the trophy won in the previous edition.

Miguel Coelho started with Milana Božić, Victória Alves, Saška Đurović, Shainah Joseph, Ana Rui Monteiro and Kelsey Veltman, with Beatriz Basto as libero. The National Champions began by responding well in reception, but showed limitations in converting side-out opportunities. SC Braga took advantage of transitions to seize control and win the first set 25-17.

Lila Durão came on in the second set with the aim of giving greater speed to the game, and Porto’s attackers initially responded well. Even so, the Braga side once again opened up an advantage on the scoreboard. Despite the introductions of Milana Božić, Nataša Čikiriz, Caylen Alexander and Annie Cesar, the Minho team closed out the set 25-19 to go 2-0 ahead.

FC Porto came out refreshed in the third set, with Nataša Čikiriz, Caylen Alexander and Annie Cesar in the starting six. The blue-and-whites varied their attacking options and also found points through the block. Midway through the set, Natalia Murek was called upon to strengthen reception, and Porto reduced the deficit by winning 17-25.

Needing to win to take the match to a decider, Miguel Coelho’s side entered the fourth set determined. Greater efficiency on serve and the work of the block helped stop SC Braga’s attack, while the advantage gained in the early stages was managed through to the end: 7-25.

In the fifth and decisive set, the two teams initially maintained an evenly balanced duel and showed their main strengths. SC Braga, however, managed to build a five-point lead and ultimately secured a 3-2 victory with a 15-9 set score.

FC Porto will now take part in the Vindimas Tournament, where Sporting will be their opponent in the semi-finals. The match is scheduled for 6pm on Friday at the Multiusos Centre in Lamego.

Match sheet

SC BRAGA: Matilde Calado and Eduarda Campos (liberos); Loane Paes, Gabriela Coelho, Azul Benítez, Beatriz Ferreira, Luna Becic, Vanessa Silva, Nilda Matuca, Beatriz Barbosa, Anastasiya Maievska, Emily Elliott, Katarina Rodic and Madalena EscudeiroCoach: João Santos

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.