CSKA volleyball players performed a mini-feat, managing to overcome a five-point deficit in the tie-break against visiting Dea Sport (Burgas) and record valuable two points for the Efbet Super Volley standings. Alexander Popov's boys could have left with three points, after leading 2:0 in sets, but allowed the Burgas team to make a comeback and take things to a fifth set.

The Match:

The first set was won without problems by CSKA, but in the second part, the guests from Dea Sport put up serious resistance. They even had their first set point at 22:24, but a precise attack by Simeonov and a block by Penchev tied the score. The opportunity for a set point reappeared after an attack error by Lamanets, and Simeonov again closed the set and the part for a 2:0 lead.

In the third set, CSKA maintained parity until 14:14, but then allowed Dea Sport to reduce their deficit and win the set. In the fourth set, the hosts collapsed. They managed to score only 15 points, which led to the sets being tied and sent the match into a tie-break.

The Tie-break:

The last part started badly for CSKA, as they switched sides at 4:8 for Dea. A 4:9 followed, and many already expected a complete comeback. But then five unanswered points followed for the hosts, two of which were the result of errors by Vasilen and Bratoev. A block by Mitev and an ace by Stankov restored parity in the score.

The tie-break continued evenly until 12:12, after which an attack by Velikov and an ace by Simeonov led to CSKA's first match point, which turned out to be the last. An attack by Velikov closed the set and the match in favor of the hosts with 15:13.

Top Scorers:

The most effective player for CSKA was Simeonov - 19 points (2 aces, 1 block) and 55% in attack. Velikov added another 13 points (1 ace, 1 block) and 65% in attack, while Nikolay Penchev finished with 12 points (1 ace, 1 block).

Five players from Dea Sport finished with double-digit scores: Cardoso - 18 points, Lamanets and Todorov with 15 each, Bratov - 12 and Vasilev - 10, but these efforts were not enough for a complete comeback.

Result:

CSKA – Dea Sport: 3:2 (25:21, 26:24, 17:25, 15:25, 15:13)

CSKA showed character and persistence to secure important points in the standings, continuing the battle for a higher position in the Efbet Super Volley league. The "Red Men" remain in sixth position with 32 points, the same as Beroe, who play away against Dunav tomorrow. In the next round, Sasho Popov's boys will face the in-form team of Cherno More away.