display

Berlin (AP) - The Berlin Volleys have won their first game in front of spectators since October 17th and equalized 1: 1 in the playoff semifinals against the SWD powervolleys Düren.

The capital club prevailed on Wednesday with 3: 1 (25:22, 25:20, 24:26, 29:27).

This means that in the playoff series best of three on Saturday in Düren there will be the decisive game for a place in the final.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 800 fans were allowed into Berlin's Max-Schmeling-Halle as part of a pilot project.

It was the first indoor sports event in front of an audience since October 2020.

The campaign was part of a three-part Berlin pilot project, in the course of which there was also a game by the Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin in the stadium at the Alte Försterei and a basketball game by Alba Berlin or the Berlin team in the Mercedes-Benz Arena Polar bears in the German Ice Hockey League are to take place in front of fans.

However, following the latest resolutions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, full implementation is questionable.

display

The Berlin volleys were hardly recognizable compared to the 1: 3 defeat in Düren.

Inspired by the clapboard concert of the fans in the stands, the attacks by Benjamin Patch in particular hit the opponent enormously.

After Düren had temporarily defied himself with three points in the first set (13:10), the hosts took the lead for the first time at 16:15 with a block from Brazilian Eder Carbonera.

The US American Patch built this up a little later with two aces in a row to 20:17.

The sovereignty that the BR Volleys had developed in the first two rounds, however, faded at the beginning of the third set.

The team was early with 2: 6 and later with 7:12 behind.

Despite the brave hunt for the Berliners to catch up, the Rhinelander were able to shorten it to 1: 2 in sets.

The final section brought a lot of tension when the BR Volleys had to fend off a set ball from their opponents at 23:24, but were then able to assert themselves with their fourth match point.

display

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210324-99-958951 / 2

Volleyball Bundesliga, schedule, playoffs

BR Volleys, squad