At the start of the group phase in the Volleyball Champions League, the Berlin Volleys were very close to defeat. "We didn't play what you need at this level in the first two sets," said coach Cedric Enard after the 3-2 lead (23:25, 23:25, 25:17, 28:26, 15:12). -Trembling victory against Bulgaria's champions Hebar Pazardzhik on Tuesday. The Berliners had to cope with a 0:2 set deficit and fend off two match balls in the fourth set.

Because of the two lost sets, the German champions have to be content with two of the three points to be awarded. "Of course, we dropped a point, but in the phase we are in, you have to win a game like this first," said managing director Kaweh Niroomand, who still sees the team in a learning process. "Our new team still has to grow with its tasks," Enard also stated afterwards.

In front of 3876 spectators in the Max-Schmeling-Halle, the Bulgarians, who had only reached the group stage of the premier class through qualification, impressed over long stretches with their athletic play and spectacular saves in defence. The BR volleys also played their part in making the opponent strong. "At the beginning we didn't exert enough pressure with the serve," complained outside reception player Ruben Schott, who had recovered from knee problems.

After all, the BR volleys showed morale as the game progressed. "You could see that we are a real team. We never gave up and fought all the time," said Schott. His conclusion from the ultimately successful race to catch up: "It gives us self-confidence." The team urgently needs this self-confidence for the next challenge in the Champions League against Turkish runners-up Halkbank Ankara next Wednesday. "It's going to be a little more difficult," said Niroomand.

CEV Champions League, Schedule BR Volleys, Team Hebar Pazardzhik, Team