Allianz Team Blog A night to remember: my experience at the DVV Cup final in Mannheim
Gregor Pernuš recalls the DVV Cup final in front of almost 11,000 fans – and why the defeat still felt like a win.
Playing the DVV Cup final in Mannheim against Berlin was an experience I will never forget. It was the biggest arena I have ever played in, with almost 11,000 fans in the stands creating an electric and intense atmosphere. There was a lot at stake, and although we eventually lost 2–3 in a nerve-shredding match, it was one of the most exhilarating matches of my career.
Despite the scale of the event, I approached it like any other match. I firmly believe that nerves take over if you think too much and keep telling yourself that it is a final. Still, the nerves were definitely there — it is impossible not to feel them when you step onto such a huge stage. But fear? No, there was none. Just the excitement of competing at the highest level and the wish to give everything for my team.
The show in the arena was incredible. Walking onto the court through the smoke while the crowd roared and the lights shone down made the entrance unforgettable. Despite the size of the arena, playing there did not feel overwhelming or difficult. The court itself felt like any other; it was still the same game we had played countless times before.
The match was intense from the very first whistle. We fought hard, pushed Berlin to the limit, and at times it felt as if we were only centimeters away from winning. The back and forth turned it into a real battle; every rally felt decisive. The energy from the fans drove us on and made every point mean even more. Even though we did not leave the court as winners, we left everything out there, and we can be proud of that.
Looking back, this match reaffirmed why I love this sport. The competition, the atmosphere, the moments that tested our nerves and resilience – all of that makes volleyball so special. Playing in a final in front of such a huge crowd is a dream come true, and even though the result did not go our way, the experience was a win in many ways.
Now we have to move on, learn from this match and use it as fuel for the next challenge.
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