Six-time ETTU Champions League winners and holders of six European Cup of Champions titles, Borussia Düsseldorf, launched their quarterfinal campaign in impressive fashion with a 3–0 away victory over Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V.
The tie opened with a high-intensity encounter in which Kanak JHA edged Gaoyuan LIN in five games. After dropping the opening two games, LIN responded strongly to level the match, but JHA showed nerves of steel in the decisive fifth game to give Düsseldorf an early breakthrough.
Momentum swung further in the visitors’ favour in the second match, where Dang QIU also needed five games to overcome Steffen MENGEL. After building a two-game lead, QIU allowed his opponent back into the contest, but regained control at the crucial moment to secure the second point for the German club.
The victory was sealed in straight games by Anton KÄLLBERG, who delivered an authoritative performance against Marcos FREITAS. Despite two extremely tight games, the Swedish international held his nerve in the key moments to close out the tie and complete the clean sweep for Düsseldorf.
“Yes, we are unbelievably happy to beat Mühlhausen 3–0. It was a great job from all the boys. The first match was crucial — Kanak played an amazing match against Lin, really outstanding. After that win, we felt a bit less pressure. Dang also had a big match. He led 2–0, then lost a bit of focus, but in the end he secured the second point. Anton was very good today as well against Marcos, and he closed out the tie with a strong performance. A fantastic 3–0 overall. Li Yongyin was here too, and we had really good practice sessions together. It was a great team performance from start to finish. We will take this confidence with us, drive home, and start preparing for the second leg,” said Danny HEISTER, coach of Borussia Düsseldorf.
Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) – Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) 0–3
- LIN Gaoyuan – JHA Kanak 2–3 (9–11, 8–11, 11–9, 11–7, 2–6)
- MENGEL Steffen – QIU Dang 2–3 (9–11, 5–11, 11–9, 11–8, 2–6)
- FREITAS Marcos – KALLBERG Anton 0–3 (11–13, 7–11, 13–15)
