Champions, Milan fights and comes close to the feat. But Halkbank advances in the golden set

Allianz Milano is one step away from a comeback with a match worthy of applause, but it's not enough: Halkbank Ankara goes to the Champions League quarterfinals with the Golden Set. A test of personality for Piazza's team that, after the 3-1 defeat in the first leg, was called upon to respond at home. Despite the difficulties of playing in a different arena than their home one, the Milanese team fought aggressively from the opening whistle, winning 3-1 and taking the golden set. However, when they seemed to be able to touch the passage of the round with their own hands, they collapsed under the pressure, and at 11-9 they were overturned 13-15. Sotola was uncatchable with 32 points on the scoresheet, but Porro's 5 aces were not enough for Milan.

In the setting of the E-Work Arena in Busto Arsizio, Piazza lines up Porro diagonally with Reggers, then Louati and Kaziyski as full backs, the Caneschi-Schnitzer duo in the center and Catania libero. Kolakovic starts with Ma'a opposite Sotola, Leal and Kooy on the wing, Uzunkol and Bidak as center backs with Done libero. The match starts off very balanced until 5-5, then Porro imposes himself with a direct attack and two aces, forcing Kolakovic to call his first time out of the game at 11-7. Allianz takes courage and starts playing very aggressively with an attack that works between Kaziyski, Louati and Reggers, supported by a very solid Catania in coverage. Although it looks like a one-way set, spectacular points are not lacking with super defenses and recoveries on both sides. But while Milan builds confidence in service and attack, Kooy and Leal do not sting and the lack of Matic at center is felt, with the young Uzunkol who is not convincing and is replaced by Kolakovic. In the end, Milan closes 25-16 a set without history that gives renewed hope to the home team.

The second set begins with the same intensity as the first, Kooy finds a nice ace, Milan responds with defense. The two teams understand the importance of the partial and do not hold back, Uzunkol manages to get into the game with two blocks that make Ankara jump forward and force Piazza to a discretionary at 10-12. Kaziyski begins to lose effectiveness and Allianz struggles, but manages to stay in the game thanks to a tenacious defense wall. The fraction is played on the edge of balance until the end: Otsuka enters for Kaziyski and it is he with Schnitzer who finds a fundamental block on Sotola for the plus two. Then, however, Kooy's service turn turns things around and it is Ankara who has the advantage point. Sotola begins to put down every ball that passes in front of him. Milan responds with Kaziyski, but at the crucial moment Louati's naivety gives the opponents the set point by touching a bad reception by Leal that was going out. Reggers manages the side out like a veteran and the situation reverses when Kooy invades in attack and gives the set ball to Milan. And Allianz does not let such an opportunity slip away, closing with a big block by the Canadian Schnitzer at 26-24. Same pattern for the first points of set three, with Halkbank wasting both challenges before 6-6, but finds an excellent Ma'a all over the court to take a three-point lead at 6-9. Piazza shakes the spirits of his team with a time out, and Milan overtakes at 10-9. Kolakovic stops the game. Ankara hangs on its setter who starts playing all over the court: defenses, sets, second attacks, Micah Kupono Ma'a drags his team to 14-19. Piazza stops the game after a disastrous entrance by Gardini for Kaziyski. Caneschi's ace gives some hope to the Milanese at 17-19. Porro responds from a distance to the challenge with Ma'a finding an ace and a half and making Milan equalize at 20-20. Heart-stopping final at 23-23. Barotto misses the serve, and Ankara closes the games with Sotola, extending the match (23-25). The fourth set is the most important and not to be missed. Milan starts strong with a great serve by Porro and immediately finds the break. Piazza's team tries to put their foot on the accelerator, taking a lead of three and trying to maintain it. However, Allianz does and undoes, at the maximum advantage they let themselves be overtaken, losing efficiency in attack. The two teams give us another head-to-head final at 20-20. Ankara takes the lead, then Porro's ace puts Milan ahead again in a rollercoaster of emotions. Catania excels in coverage and gives hope to his team with a defensive play worthy of a film library. The game goes to advantage with palpable tension that dissolves in a roar from the arena on the decisive point by Ferre Reggers for 28-26 that gives the golden set to their fans.

Golden set played on the wire, Milan takes a two-point lead and holds it almost until the end. Allianz takes the lead 11-9 and seems to be able to make the dream come true, but at the most beautiful moment it fades and Anakara ties 11-11. At that point the moods completely switch and the Turks, from scared and disoriented, take courage and sign two more points with Leal serving, sealing the 11-13. At that point Milan tries to respond but has to give in to a Sotola who doesn't tremble on important balls and who signs the definitive 13-15, extinguishing any ambition of the Milanese.

Milan Top Scorer Reggers (23), Team Walls (9), Team Ace (6)

Halkbank Ankara Top Scorer: Sotola (32), Muri Squadra (14), Ace Squadra (4)