Guadalajara (Spain) - In presence of CEV President André Meyer and the National Volleyball Federation Presidents of Spain, Portugal and Turkey, Portugal claimed the gold medal of the 2010 CEV Men’s European League by defeating host Spain in a spectacular Iberian duel 3-1. Turkey took bronze after a five-set win over Romania.

The Portuguese jumped out for a 3-0 in the gold medal match of the 2010 Men’s European League, but Spain turned around the score for an 8-5 lead at the first technical timeout. The hosts kept a four-point lead at the second technical timeout with some fast combinations trough the middle. However, Portugal reduced the gap to one point (16-17), forcing Spanish head coach Julio Velasco to call his first timeout. It helped as the royal reds regained their rhythm with a first chance to close out the first set at 24-21. Portugal saved two set points, but Perez finally ended the first set with a spectacular back row missile.

The more than 3’000 fans in Pabellon Multiusos sports hall in Guadalajara continued enjoying magnificent rallies in the second set, as no team managed to open a gap of more than two points until 20. Velasco called a timeout at 19-21 when the strong Portuguese attackers menaced his Spanish defense system. However, the West Iberians continued their run. Some moments later, Perez handed over the second set to his opponents with a service mistake.

The match still balanced on a knife’s edge in the third set as both teams played extremely well. Impressive spikes on both sides took turns with outstanding defense actions. Nevertheless, Portugal managed to turn up the heat with a six-point run from 15-14 to 21-14. Rocamora concluded the third set with a service error, giving the Portuguese a 2-1 set lead.

Portugal continued their impressive play in the fourth set. Most Valuable Player Valdir as well as Captain José put a lot of pressure on the Spanish defense. But a four-point lead at 11-7 was not enough to decide this brilliant Iberian duel. Spain bounced back with Perez and Noda on fire; 17-17, then 19-19. At 20-22 Velasco called another timeout to give his players new instructions. But the Portugal express was now unstoppable. Valdir brought up match point at 24-21 with a glorious block kill. One rally later, best receiver awarded André finished it in Portugal’s favor with a blistering winner from back row, giving the Portuguese their first European League gold medal in history.

“We are very happy”, said Portuguese Captain and best spiker awarded Joao José. “That’s the third time we participated at the Final Four of the European League, after a second and third place we finally made it to the top of the podium. That’s an immense sensation.”

Portugal head coach Juan Diaz expressed his feelings in this way: “If your team plays well during the whole European League campaign, you just feel great as coach. I’m proud of my players, they deserve this title.”

In the bronze medal match, Turkey overcame Romania in five sets (25-19, 22-25, 17-25, 25-16, 15-13). Whilst Turkey managed to control the first set (25-19), Romania fought back bravely in the second (25-22). Things were also tight in the beginning of the third set, but an eleven-point (!) Romanian run gave the East Europeans a comfortable 21-9 lead. Trailing one set to two, it was again Turkey’s turn to set the pace in the fourth set (25-16). In the decider, both teams had their chance to finish the bronze medal duel in their favor. Finally Turkish superstar Serhat brought up match point with a blistering winner from the right at 14-13, before Ahmet closed it out for the Turks, giving them the bronze medals of the 2010 Men’s European League.

Best players:
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Valdir (POR)
Best Scorer: Serhan (TUR)
Best Spiker: J. José (POR)
Best Server: Subiela (ESP)
Best Blocker: Malveiro (POR)
Best Receiver: André (POR)
Best Setter: Hérnan (ESP)
Best Libero: Llenas (ESP)

Men’s Final Four in Guadalajara (ESP):

Final Ranking:

1. Portugal*
2. Spain
3. Turkey
4. Romania

*The winner of the European League is qualified for the FIVB 2011 World League Qualification

Friday, July 16, 2010
Portugal vs. Romania 3:2 (25-15, 25-15, 23-25, 19-25, 15-8)
Spain vs. Turkey 3:0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-22)

Saturday, July 17, 2010
Bronze medal match: Romania vs. Turkey 2:3 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 16-25, 13-15)
Final: Spain vs. Portugal 1:3 (25-23, 23-25, 18-25, 21-25)