A total of four sets are needed for Bogdanka Luk and Lube in the return matches of the Challenge Cup to see a "Bulgarian" final in the European tournament. This became possible after the Italian Cup winner defeated visiting Spor Toto from Ankara with a clean 3:0 (25:21, 25:17, 25:21) in the first semifinal of the tournament. Thus, the hosts have not lost a match at home, registering 14 victories from 14 matches.

Canadian international Eric Loeppky was above all for the winners, finishing with 17 points (2 aces) and becoming MVP. Thomas Edgar of the guests also had as many points. Adis Lagumdzija and Mattia Bottolo added 13 and 10 points respectively for Lube's victory, compensating for a weaker defensive evening for the team. The staff gave Alex Nikolov a rest, who conserved energy for Lube's home match against Taranto on Sunday.

The first set started point for point, with the difference not exceeding 3 points in favor of the hosts. Coach Medei's boys pushed after the 18th point, being the first to reach 20, and the guests managed to get close at 22:20, but the Italian team did not allow a comeback and, through Chinenyeze, closed the set with 25:21.

At the beginning of the second set, the hosts pulled ahead 4:0, but allowed the game to be tied, and only after the 16th point did they step on the gas to make the difference very comfortable - 20:14, and to take a 2:0 lead in sets.

The third set offered more tension, with the guests managing to take the lead for the first time, registering a 3-point difference in their favor - 4:7. The advantage for the Turkish team was maintained until the 18th point, after which the hosts managed to take the lead for the first time. This was followed by strong serving and attacking play, with the Turkish block's net registering the first match point, and Bottolo closed the match with a good attack.

The return match is on February 27 in Ankara at 2 PM Bulgarian time.