Kyoto, Japan, May 17, 2025 – Osaka Bluteon delivered a fantastic 3-1 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 25-19) win over defending Asian Club champions Foolad Sirjan Iranian in the semifinals of the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League on Saturday at Shimadzu Arena.
With the win, Osaka Bluteon not only earned a place in the historic final of Asia’s newly rebranded club championship, but also secured a coveted spot in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship.
“It was a tough but great game. Everyone on our team dreamed of playing at the Club World Championship, and today we’ve made that a reality,” said setter Eiro Motoki, who orchestrated the offense throughout all four sets.
Cuban outside hitter Miguel Ángel López was the driving force behind Osaka’s success, delivering a match-high 24 points (22 kills, 1 block, 1 ace). Yuji Nishida contributed 18 points, including 15 kills, while Shoma Tomita added 12. French volleyball legend and two-time Olympic MVP Earvin Ngapeth made a strong impact with 20 points, leading the team in attacks with 16 kills from 32 attempts.
Osaka Bluteon came out strong in the first set, with López, Nishida, and Tomita launching powerful attacks that overwhelmed Foolad Sirjan’s defense. The home side executed a well-structured offense and maintained composure in transition, cruising to a 25-19 win.
Foolad Sirjan responded in the second set, with Ngapeth leading the charge through sharp spikes and crafty drop shots. He was ably supported by Amirhossein Esfandiar and José Masso Concepción at the net, helping the Iranian side level the match with a 25-19 set win.
In the third set, López and Nishida reignited their offense, breaking down Foolad’s defense with precision attacks and timely serving. Despite Foolad’s efforts to regain control, the Japanese side maintained momentum and claimed the set 25-18.
The fourth set followed a similar script, as Foolad attempted to mount a final comeback. Ngapeth continued to threaten Osaka’s block, but the home side, backed by strong performances from López and Nishida, held firm. With a 21-18 lead, Osaka Bluteon closed out the match with poise, conceding just one more point before sealing the set 25-19 and the match victory.
Osaka Bluteon advanced to the final, where they will face Qatar’s Al-Rayyan Sports Club. Both finalists have already earned their tickets to the 2025 FIVB Men’s Club World Championship, making Sunday’s title clash not just a battle for continental supremacy, but also a preview of the global stage.
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