The Bulgarian women's national team recorded their third consecutive loss in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026, after losing to hosts Serbia 0:3 (16:25, 19:25, 25:27) in the first match of the third week of the tournament in Belgrade.
Despite reports that emerged before the tournament, one of the biggest stars of Serbian volleyball, Tijana Bošković, was not included in the hosts' squad. The legend Maja Ognjenović briefly entered the game. The match was also watched by our national team's former captain, Elitsa Vasileva-Atanasijević.
The first two sets were controlled by Serbia. The Bulgarians reduced the deficit several times, but the hosts dictated the tempo and deservedly won with scores of 25:16 and 25:19.
The real battle came in the third set. Bulgaria took a 13:11 lead, then recovered from a 16:20 deficit and tied at 22:22. Both teams reached 25:25, but a mistaken serve by Mikaela Stoyanova and an attack out by Darina Naneva brought Serbia success with 27:25 and the final 3:0.
Team statistics show that Serbia dominated primarily in attack, where they scored 51 points against 35 for Bulgaria. The Bulgarians, however, had an advantage in blocking (5:4), serving (3:2), and reception (70% against 53%), but failed to convert this advantage into more points in offense. The hosts also recorded more digs in defense (56:45), which helped them win longer rallies. The most effective player for Serbia was Zubić with 16 points, followed by Tica with 13, while for Bulgaria, Stoyanova scored 13 and Naneva 9 points.
The defeat cost Bulgaria one spot in the world ranking list, with the national team now occupying the 27th position. In the Volleyball Nations League standings, the Bulgarians maintain their 16th place.
On Thursday, Bulgaria rests, and on Friday, they will face the Czech Republic in their second match of the third week of the tournament in Belgrade.

photo:volleyballworld.com