The CEV Volleyball European Golden League 2025 Men`s league round concluded with a dramatic final weekend, determining the three teams joining hosts Czechia in the Final Four in Brno. Israel, Greece, and Finland secured their spots, with Israel being the only team among the 12 participants to remain undefeated after six matches.
The third and final week of the league round featured four tournaments held from June 19 to 22 in Strumica (North Macedonia), Lugo (Spain), Nokia (Finland), and Kutna Hora (Czechia).
While Israel appeared to have the most straightforward path to qualification, playing against two teams with no chance of reaching the Final Four, they still faced tough matches against North Macedonia and Montenegro. Despite the challenges, they finished the league round undefeated, securing two more wins.
It has been a dream competition for Israel, who were the champions of the CEV Volleyball European Silver League 2024 Men. They completed their unbeaten run with a 3:0 victory over North Macedonia (25:22; 25:16; 25:18) and a 3:1 win against Montenegro (25:27; 25:20; 25:15; 25:21), conceding only their sixth set of the tournament.
The most significant battle for qualification was arguably between Greece and Finland, two nations still seeking their first CEV Volleyball European Golden League Men`s title. Finland`s only final appearance was in 2005, where they lost to Russia, while Greece reached the final in 2014, falling to Montenegro.
These two teams were undefeated before the tournament in Nokia, Finland. Greece struck first, claiming a 3:1 victory over Finland with scores of 23:25, 25:18, 25:23, and 25:21. Dimitrios Mouchlias led the scoring with 18 points, supported by Theodoros Voulkidis who added 15.
However, Greece missed the opportunity to top the standings after a dramatic 2:3 loss to Croatia on the second day. Croatia secured the final two sets after an intense struggle, winning 30:28 and 20:18. Croatia`s Petar Dirlic, who finished as the competition`s top scorer with 148 points, had a monumental match, scoring 35 points.
Ultimately, Finland also concluded the league round with a record of five wins and one loss, securing their Final Four spot with a clear 3:0 victory against Croatia in their final match.
Israel (17 points), Greece (16 points), and Finland (15 points) successfully qualified for the Final Four, joining hosts Czechia. The event is scheduled to take place in Brno on July 5 and 6. Romania narrowly missed out on qualification.
Romania`s setback was their only loss of the league round, a 2:3 defeat against hosts Czechia in Kutna Hora during the first match of the final tournament. After winning the first set 37:35, Romania dropped the next two, 17:25 and 22:25, before seemingly turning the match around with a 25:18 win in the fourth set.
But in the deciding set, Romania lost 15:11. They finished on the same number of points as Finland but had a lower set ratio (2.833) compared to Finland`s (4.000), resulting in their elimination.
Montenegro finished in last place, being the only team without a single win in their six matches.
The Final Four, set for July 5 and 6 in Brno, will feature hosts Czechia taking on Israel – a rematch from the first week of the league round where Israel won 3:1. The other semi-final will see Greece face Finland, a repeat of Greece`s victory from the last weekend.
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Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood