Sada Cruzeiro close gap on Minas with comeback win

Sada Cruzeiro Volei are closer than ever to catching Fiat Gerdau Minas at the top of the standings of the Brazilian Superliga after the reigning world champions defeated their in-state rivals in Contagem on Thursday.

Playing at home, Sada Cruzeiro came from behind to secure a 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22) victory against the Superliga leaders and celebrate their tenth-straight triumph in the league.

The result reduced the difference between the two teams to just two points. While Minas have 52 points (17 wins, two losses), Sada have moved up to 50. Both teams will play three more matches before the end of the regular season.

Rio 2016 Olympic champion opposite and Sada Cruzeiro captain Wallace de Souza received the Player of the Match award for a fourth consecutive time after he delivered 17 points, all in kills.

“I think the main difference between the first set and the others was that we managed to raise our rhythm,” he reflected. “From the second set on, we were back at our usual level and we did a great job in dealing with their serves. Our side-out substantially improved and that was very important for us. These are three very important points as they give us a chance to finish the regular season in first place. Let’s see how things play out.”

Sada also had good production from outside hitters Rodriguinho Leao, who came off the bench to replace last year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship MVP Miguel Angel Lopez, and Lucas Loh. They scored 11 points each.

Minas had a couple of key absences. Rio 2016 Olympic champion setter William Arjona didn’t enter the court, while 2010 world champion opposite Leandro Vissotto was subbed out during the first set and did not return.

Outside hitters Leozinho Nascimento, with 17 points (16 kills, one ace), and Henrique Honorato, with 14 (all in kills), carried the team’s offensive load.

“It was a key match for us,” Honorato explained. “But we made too many mistakes, especially in serving, and we didn’t really stick to our game plan the way we should have. Against such a strong opponent, we should have been more disciplined and determined. It’s a tough loss for us, but it’s better that it happens now than during the playoffs. We have time to fix our mistakes and we’ll do that.”

Before continuing their battle for the top spot of the Superliga, Sada Cruzeiro and Minas will both compete in the South American Club Championship, which will be played next week in Contagem. Both Brazilian teams debut on Wednesday, with Minas facing Chile’s Club Excelsior and Sada clashing with Uruguay’s Club Atletico Bohemios.