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Germany beat Spain in a thrilling five-set final to win the 2009 European Volleyball League in Portimao, Portugal.

In a match that went constantly back and forth, the Spanish team twice came back from one-set deficits to force a tie-break decider before the Germans ermerged 25-20, 21-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-7 winners.

"I am very happy with this historical win," said German coach Raul Lozano.

"It is very important for us to have won the first European League title. Spain did a great job with a young team."

Spanish head coach Julio Velasco was disappointed after his side lost the chance to win the title for the second time in three years.

"We expected more than this", he said.

"It was impossible to recover after three consecutive German block kills at the start of the fifth set.

"We experienced some problems in attacking today due to poor receptions and a very strong German block."

In the third-fourth place play-off, hosts Portugal beat Slovakia in three tough sets, 25-22, 25-23, 25-21.

Eurosport