Volleyball Men's Club World Championships 2025

Defending world champs Cruzeiro beat Swehly to stay in contention

The Libyan team stays winless, with only a distant mathematical shot at the semis

Published 02:59, 17 Dec 2025

Sada Cruzeiro (BRA) (SDC) vs. Swehly Sports Club (LBA) (SSC) men - Pool B #77284964

Sada Cruzeiro’s Lucas Saatkamp in attack against Swehly at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship

Defending champions Sada Cruzeiro Volei Belo Horizonte scored their first win in Pool B of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship in Belem to stay in contention for a spot in the semifinals. In Wednesday’s second competition day opener, the Brazilian team defeated Swehly Misrata in straight sets. The Libyan rookies are yet to win a set in Brazil and stand only a very distant mathematical chance of qualifying among the last four of the tournament.

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Sada Cruzeiro put on a dominant performance on the court in Belem, while their African opponents managed to stay somewhat competitive only in the third set. Thus, the Brazilian side mastered an emphatic 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-21) victory.

Cruzeiro outplayed Swehly on all scoring counts – 40-25 in successful swings, 9-2 in kill blocks and 6-2 in serving aces. They also made one unforced error fewer than the opponent (19-2).

Opposite Welinton Oppenkoski authored four of his team’s aces, put up a kill block and spiked at 63% success rate to finish with a match-high 17 points. Experienced star middle blocker Lucas Saatkamp registered an impressive 92% success rate in attack and raised four kill blocks, including the match winner, to tally a total of 15 points. Outside hitter Douglas De Souza also reached the double digits with two stuffs and nine points in offense. His Libyan counterpart Mohamed Garwash was Swehly’s most prolific scorer with nine points.

Wednesday’s second leg of Pool B matches continues with a match between the two teams that emerged with straight-set victories on Tuesday, Italy’s Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia and Japan’s Osaka Bluteon. The game serves off at 13:30 local time (16:30 UTC). Should Osaka win that encounter, they will be guaranteed a spot in the semifinals.