The biggest match of the week in the 2024-2025 Brazilian Men’s Superliga didn’t disappoint and, after five intense sets, Sada Cruzeiro are stronger than ever at the top of the standings.
The reigning world champions went on the road against second-placed and in-state rivals Itambé Minas on Wednesday and pulled off a dramatic 3-2 (26-24, 23-25, 18-25, 25-16, 15-12) victory in the second leg of the second round of the regular season.
Select Brazilian Men’s and Women’s Superliga matches are available live for VBTV subscribers located in Brazil.
The tight victory was enough to increase Sada Cruzeiro’s breathing room at the top of the standing as, after entering the court with a three-point lead over Minas, the world champions now see themselves four points ahead, boasting 34 points to their opponents’ 30.
Rio 2016 Olympic champion Douglas Souza played a key role in Sada Cruzeiro’s victory. The 29-year-old outside hitter led the team’s offense with a match-high 22 points (20 kills, two blocks) and also took home the MVP award.
“We had many ups and downs during the match, but our team never gives up,” he said. “We had our struggles but were resilient, found our rhythm again and secured the victory. A lot of our fans were at the stadium and that gave us a lot of energy. They always push us in the difficult moments, like today. Minas played a great match, but we managed to regain control of the match and take the win.”
The MVP of the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship last month, opposite Wallace de Souza tallied 16 points for Sada Cruzeiro, three more than middle blocker Otávio Pinto.
