It took five dramatic sets, but Karadjordje Topola emerged with a hard-fought 3-2 away victory over Novi P. in their Serbia Cup clash on 22 October 2020. In a match that swung repeatedly between the two sides, the visitors showed greater composure in the decisive moments, earning a memorable road win and a spot in the next round.

A back-and-forth thriller in the Serbia Cup

The opening exchanges suggested a tight contest, with Novi P. using their home crowd to edge ahead. The first set was closely contested, but Novi P. managed to convert their chances late on and take the early advantage. Karadjordje Topola responded with renewed energy in the second set, sharpening their block defence and cutting down attacking errors to level the match.

From that point, the match developed into a genuine battle of momentum. Novi P. regained the lead by winning a tense third set, only for Karadjordje Topola to hit back once again in the fourth, forcing the contest into a deciding set. The visitors saved their best volleyball for the finish, staying composed during the longest rallies and capitalising on Novi P.'s unforced errors.

Karadjordje Topola hold their nerve in the decider

The fifth set was a tense affair, with both teams trading points well into the late stages. Karadjordje Topola’s serving pressure finally told, disrupting Novi P.'s reception and creating attacking opportunities that the away side converted with confidence. A late surge carried them over the line, completing a 2-3 victory and sparking celebrations among the travelling bench.

For Karadjordje Topola, the win underlined the importance of resilience in cup competition, where one bad set can end a campaign. For Novi P., the defeat was a bitter one, especially after twice holding the lead. Ultimately, it was Karadjordje Topola who advanced, proving that composure under pressure remains one of the most valuable qualities in any volleyball knockout tie.