Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia has officially cemented its place in volleyball history, successfully defending its continental crown to become the latest team to capture back-to-back #CLVolleyM titles. In a commanding display at the Inalpi Arena in Torino, the Italian powerhouse navigated the Final Four with clinical precision, ultimately dismantling Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie in a straight-sets victory (29-27, 25-18, 25-15) that showcased both their tactical depth and championship pedigree.
For Perugia, this victory marks a historic milestone as they join the elite ranks of Italian clubs—most notably Trentino Volley—to have successfully defended the Champions League trophy. The triumph was anchored by an exceptional performance from Wassim Ben Tara, who tallied 24 points, and the veteran leadership of libero Massimo Colaci. In what he has described as the final chapter of a storied career, Colaci was named MVP of the tournament, a fitting capstone to a journey that has seen him lift the European trophy three times.
The atmosphere in Torino was electric, with thousands of fans witnessing a rematch of last year’s final in Łódź. While the previous encounter required a grueling five-set marathon to decide the winner, this year’s championship match saw Perugia exert their dominance early and never look back, completing an unbeaten run through the Final Four without conceding a single set.
A Strategic Masterclass in Torino
The opening set provided the only true resistance from the Polish challengers. Both teams traded points in a high-intensity battle, with Zawiercie fighting to secure the first European title in their club’s history. Perugia’s ability to remain composed during the late-set pressure proved decisive. After saving multiple set points, the Italian side capitalized on a critical overpass, allowing setter Simone Giannelli to clinch the opener 29-27. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the defending champions.
Coach Angelo Lorenzetti, now recognized as only the second coach in history to reach seven Champions League finals, orchestrated a tactical shift in the second set that neutralized the Polish attack. A combination of aggressive serving from Agustín Loser and consistent blocking allowed Perugia to build a commanding lead. By the time the third set arrived, Perugia’s offensive rhythm—led by the relentless scoring of Ben Tara—was near-flawless. A nine-point scoring run, highlighted by three consecutive aces, effectively silenced any hope of a comeback from the Zawiercie side.
The 2026 #CLVolleyM Dream Team
Following the conclusion of the final, the tournament organizers announced the official Dream Team, acknowledging the standout performers who defined the competition’s level of play:
- Opposite: Wassim Ben Tara (Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia)
- Setter: Simone Giannelli (Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia)
- Libero: Massimo Colaci (Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia)
- Middle Blockers: Mateusz Bieniek (Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie) and Jurii Gladyr (Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie)
- Outside Hitters: Oleh Plotnytskyi (Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia) and Tomasz Fornal (Ziraat Bankkart Ankara)
- Head Coach: Angelo Lorenzetti (Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia)
- MVP: Massimo Colaci (Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia)
Reflections on a Historic Season
For the players, the victory represents the culmination of a season defined by resilience. Massimo Colaci, reflecting on his career and the emotional weight of this final match, stated: “It’s incredible. I’m very happy — happy for myself, for my teammates, for our supporters and our fans. It’s hard to find the right words to describe how incredible and how fantastic this feels. I’ve had a great career, a long journey. This is absolutely incredible.”
Wassim Ben Tara echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collective effort required to maintain such a high standard throughout the year. “To finish the season once again with the Champions League title, especially in the way we did it, is something special,” Ben Tara noted. “Maybe some people will say it’s because we have amazing players — and of course we do — but the way we achieved it, losing only three matches during the entire season, makes it a historic season for Perugia.”
On the opposing side, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie captain Mateusz Bieniek remained gracious in defeat, acknowledging the quality of the opposition. “Perugia were unstoppable today,” Bieniek said. “Still, I’m very proud of my team. We won the domestic league and reached the Champions League final again. Playing back-to-back finals is a huge achievement.”
As the dust settles in Torino, the focus for the European volleyball community shifts toward the upcoming season. While the 2026 campaign has concluded, the success of the CEV Champions League continues to highlight the growth and professionalization of the sport across the continent. Fans can follow official updates and news regarding the next cycle of the CEV Champions League Volley, as clubs begin their preparations for the 2027 qualification rounds.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this historic performance in the comments below, or join the conversation on our social media channels as we look back on the defining moments of this season.
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