Lausanne, Switzerland, October 29, 2016 – Six days after winning the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Club Championship, Sada Cruzeiro continued with their winning ways on Saturday, taking Brazil’s Supercopa by defeating Brazil Kirin 3-1 (18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20) before 5,000 fans at the Olympic Training Centre in Fortaleza.
The first set was tied at 14-14 when Kirin ran away with four points and closed out the set 25-18. In the second set, Sada Cruzeiro were four points up at the first technical timeout and seven ahead five points later, allowing them to cruise through the rest of the set.
The world champions edged ahead in the third set and stretched their lead from three points at 14-11 to six at 21-15 before Kirin fought back to reduce to 23-20. Sada won the set 25-21. Kirin fought hard in the fourth set and were level at 16-16 when Sada pulled away for a three-point lead, which they never relinquished.
“This match is always very difficult,” opposite Evandro said. “Kirin Brazil have a very skilled team and we were coming from a very tough tournament, the Club World Championship. We were struggling a bit as a result and you could see that in the first set, but the team recovered and managed to do well.”
Sada coach Marcelo Mendez was satisfied. “I am very happy for this third title,” he said. “We are very tired but the motivation to get another title and the mentality of the players to always go for the win allowed the team to achieve this title.”
Kirin’s experienced opposite Rivaldo said volleyball was the winner: “It was a beautiful show and everyone is to be congratulated. The gym is beautiful and the crowd made an incredible party. We know that the Sada Cruzeiro is the best team in the world and we managed at times stay with them, but they can sustain their intensity well. We will work harder and maybe next time we can beat them.”
There’s no rest for Sada Cruzeiro who will next play in the Super League on Saturday against JF Volleyball.