CSKA exited the Challenge Cup after losing their second match against Belgian team Menen 2:3. The 'Reds' were down 0:2 when they managed to recover from the shock of losing the second set 10:25, and showing character, turned the third set around from 15:19 points. Our team saved two match points to snatch the set 30:28 after nearly 40 minutes of play. This strongly motivated CSKA, and the Bulgarian grandee started playing more freely, the serve began working very stably, and our team forced the match into a tie-break after 25:19 in the fourth set. In the final set, an important video check at 4:6 for the hosts gave us the opportunity to reduce the difference to just one point, instead of it becoming 3. We had our chances until the end, and the battle became point-for-point. The drama was complete after both teams exchanged several match points, but unfortunately, luck smiled on Menen in the end for 22:20.

Despite the defeat, CSKA's volleyball players left their hearts on the court and earned applause from the small 'red' fan group with their performances.

Strahinja Brzakovic stood out with 24 points (2 blocks, 1 ace, 50% attack efficiency), Denislav Bardarov added 18 (1 ace, 46% attack efficiency, 39% positive reception), while Hristiyan Velikov (1 block, 44% attack efficiency, 54% positive reception) and Stefan Chavdarov (4 blocks, 3 aces, 67% attack efficiency) finished with 15 points each.

photos: CEV