The road to the semi-finals of the Liga Una play-off is set. Following Benfica’s 3-0 win over Nun’Álvares, Sporting, Leixões, and Académico de Espinho also wrapped up their quarter-final matches without needing a third game.
In Guimarães, Vitória pushed Sporting to a tight second set, decided by a single point, 32-30. They had been close to achieving this in the previous set and almost did it again in the third. However, they lost momentum and focus in the fourth, allowing the visitors to win 1-3. Edson Valência stood out with 32 points, alongside Kelton Tavares and Jan Galabob.
The semi-finals, a best-of-five series, will see Sporting face off against Académico de Espinho, who defeated their city rivals 3-0.
Reigning champions Benfica will host Leixões, who dropped only one set against Castêlo da Maia in a closely contested match, 20-25, 25-19, 25-27, 19-25.
Quarter-Finals Recap
The quarter-finals saw some intense action:
- Benfica vs. Nun’Álvares: 2-0 (15 March: Benfica won 3-0, 21 March: Benfica won 3-0)
- Sporting vs. Vitória de Guimarães: 2-0 (15 March: Sporting won 3-0, 22 March: Vitória de Guimarães lost 1-3)
- Académico de Espinho vs. Sporting de Espinho: 2-0 (15 March: Académico de Espinho won 3-2, 22 March: Académico de Espinho won 3-0)
- Leixões vs. Castêlo da Maia: 2-0 (15 March: Leixões won 3-0, 22 March: Castêlo da Maia lost 1-3)
The stage is now set for the semi-finals, with the teams ready to face off in the best-of-five series. The competition is heating up, and fans can expect some thrilling matches ahead.