The Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers made a strong statement in the AVC Champions League on May 13, 2026, overpowering Al-Rayyan 3-1 (25-22, 25-27, 25-19, 25-21) at the Al-Rayyan Indoor Arena in Qatar. The Korean powerhouse displayed superior depth and tactical discipline to secure a crucial away victory in the group stage of Asia’s premier club volleyball competition.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Al-Rayyan started with energy but could not sustain the momentum against a well-drilled Skywalkers side. The first set set the tone: both teams traded points until Hyundai Capital pulled away with a decisive 3-0 run late in the set, clinching it 25-22. Al-Rayyan rallied in the second set, featuring a dramatic 27-25 win that included five set points saved by the home side before they finally converted. However, the Skywalkers regrouped after the break, dominating the third set with sharp blocking and fast transitions, then closing out the fourth set behind a strong service game.

Key Moments

• Second-set resilience: Al-Rayyan fought off multiple set points in the second set, with middle blocker Mohamed Osman delivering two crucial blocks to force deuce. An ace by setter Yasser Al-Abdulla sealed the 27-25 win, giving the home fans a brief moment of hope.
• Tactical timeout swing: In the third set, trailing 14-13, Hyundai Capital coach Cho Jae-soo called a timeout. The Skywalkers responded with a 7-3 run, breaking the set open with three consecutive kills from opposite hitter Choi Min-ho and a service error forced by aggressive serving.
• Decisive fourth set: With the match on the line, the Skywalkers surged ahead 18-14 behind a series of effective float serves from libero Kim Yeong-jun that disrupted Al-Rayyan’s reception. Al-Rayyan never got closer than three points the rest of the way.

Standout Players

For the Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, outside hitter Lee Sang‑hyun was the offensive focal point, finishing with 22 points (18 kills, 3 blocks, 1 ace). His ability to terminate rallies under pressure kept Al-Rayyan’s defense off balance. Middle blocker Kim Jae‑hwi added 11 points and three blocks, forming a formidable net presence alongside Choi Min‑ho (15 points).

On the Al-Rayyan side, Brazilian opposite Wallace Martins led the team with 19 points, showcasing his trademark cross‑court power. Captain and outside hitter Ibrahim Elsheikh contributed 13 points but struggled with efficiency as the match wore on, hitting just 31% against Hyundai Capital’s tall block.

Season & Tournament Impact

The victory improved Hyundai Capital’s record in the AVC Champions League group stage to 2‑1, placing them in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds. For Al‑Rayyan, the loss dropped them to 1‑2, making their remaining group matches must‑win affairs if they hope to progress. The Skywalkers’ disciplined serving and blocking (11 blocks to Al‑Rayyan’s 4) proved the major difference on the night, demonstrating why they entered the tournament as one of the favorites from East Asia.

In the broader context of the competition, this result reinforces the growing depth of Korean club volleyball on the continental stage. Al‑Rayyan, representing the strong Qatari league, will need to regroup quickly and find solutions against the relentless pressure that Hyundai Capital applied from the service line and at the net.