These weeks, playoff action is in full swing in almost every country. In Italy, the battle for the 'Scudetto' is drawing immense attention: Cisterna – Trentino had 3,798 spectators, Modena – Perugia 4,437, Verona – Piacenza 5,253, and Civitanova – Milan 2,920 fans. Numbers to be envious of.

After three matches, Perugia and Piacenza have already secured a place in the semifinals. Trentino leads Cisterna 2-1 in a 'best of five' series. Ferre Reggers was the top scorer in the match against Civitanova with 25 points (51%), but his team is trailing 2-1 in the overall standings.

There was a sensation in Polish volleyball. In the Final Four of the Men's Champions League, at least one Polish team will reach the final, as Zawiercie faces Jastrzębski on one side of the bracket, while Perugia takes on Halkbank Ankara on the other. Additionally, Lublin won the CEV Cup for the first time in its history, pulling off an incredible victory against Civitanova, including a dramatic 36-38 win in the third set. Gorzów, featuring Mathijs De Smet (8 points, 33%), had to face Lublin last night, with Lublin emerging victorious 3-1. In Katowice – Kędzierzyn (0-3), Igor Grobelny was the top scorer with 11 points (71%).

In Russia, Zenit Kazan won its first playoff match against Kemerovo with a 0-3 victory. Sam Deroo currently ranks as the top outside hitter for his club.

Tough luck for Düren, coached by Christophe Achten, as they lost their first quarterfinal playoff match 15-13 in a tiebreak against Friedrichshafen. Robbe Van de Velde made only one appearance on the court and already seems to have his mind on Lindemans Aalst.

Elsewhere in Germany, the result of Berlin – Netzhoppers (3-0) in front of 4,100 spectators was not the biggest news: coach Joël Banks (ex-Maaseik) extended his contract until 2028. Plaskie did not play.

Tomas Rousseaux was still absent in Spain, but his team Guaguas secured a 3-0 win in their first playoff quarterfinal against Cisneros.

In Croatia, Simon Vlahovic contributed one ace and four perfect points in Ribola Kaštela’s 3-0 victory over Međimurje.

Craiova suffered its second loss in the Romanian semifinals, falling 1-3 to Brașov despite 13 points (42%) from Marin Đukić.

Meanwhile, in Denmark, coach Dries Hoeyberghs has work to do, as his team Nordenskov lost the first semifinal 0-3 against Gentofte. The other semifinal saw Odense claim a 3-0 win over Elite.

Suhl Stuns in German Playoffs
In the women’s playoffs, Italy has already reached the semifinals. Conegliano defeated Novara 3-0, while Milan (without Heyrman) won 3-0 against Scandicci in front of 5,250 spectators. Britt Herbots registered 5 points (38% attack, 50% reception). Paula Egonu was the standout performer for Milan with 23 points (61%).

In Japan, only Kaja Grobelna was in action, playing for Queenseis. They won 3-0 against Himeji (Kaja: 10 points, 40%) but lost the following day 1-3 (Kaja: 15 points, 42%).

Without Dominika Sobolska, GB Łódź claimed a 3-0 victory over Bydgoszcz in Poland.

In Germany, the first quarterfinals were played: Schwerin defeated Aachen 3-0, Stuttgart swept Münster 3-0 (without Charlotte Krenicky and with 1 point (17%) for Paule Martin). Additionally, Dresden beat Wiesbaden 3-1 (Nathalie Lemmens: 7 points, 40%), and the surprise result came from Potsdam – Suhl, where Suhl pulled off a 2-3 upset (25-16, 8-25, 26-28, 25-12, 17-19). Anna Koulberg scored 12 points (79%) and Lara Nagels 4 points (60%).

Venelles (Britt Rampelberg, 50% reception) lost 3-0 at Le Cannet, allowing Paris St.-Cloud to extend their lead to four points in the French league with just two matches remaining.

This week, Ilka Van de Vyver and PAOK Thessaloniki will play their first Greek playoff match against Panionios.

In Serbia, Radnički secured a 3-1 win against ZOK Spartak, with Mila Vlahovic contributing a crucial block.

(Compiled by Marcel Coppens)