In a true volleyball thriller, Levski defeated Lokomotiv Plovdiv 3:2 (21:25, 22:25, 25:17, 25:18, 15:13) in a match full of twists, contested rallies, and strong individual performances from both sides of the net. 🏐🔥
The Plovdiv team started the match without their captain Todor Valchev, who continues his recovery from an injury. His place in the starting lineup was taken by the experienced Zlatan Yordanov, who contributed with key points and solid defense. 💪
Julien Georgiev's performance was also impressive, as he not only made numerous successful attacks down the line from zone 2 but also blocked opponent attacks several times, giving Lokomotiv breathing room at key moments in the first two sets.
🟢 Lokomotiv took a 2:0 lead, after winning the first two sets 25:21 and 25:22, thanks to excellent coordination and service dominance. An ace by Kiril Kolev brought the first set point, and a powerful attack by Kristof Horvath closed the set.
🔵 Levski woke up in the third set – Todor Skrimov's block and Venislav Antov's attacks turned the rhythm of the match. The Blues took the third and fourth sets convincingly with 25:17 and 25:18, continuing to capitalize on inaccuracies in the hosts' offense.
In the decisive tie-break, the two teams went point for point. Julien Georgiev and Kristof Horvath kept the fire alive for Lokomotiv, but the decisive points came from Liván Osoria, Stoil Palev, and Vladimir Garkov, who delivered two consecutive diagonal hits for the final 15:13 and a victory for Levski. 🎯
📌 Highlights:
Julien Georgiev with multiple successful attacks and blocks;
Zlatan Yordanov with key points and service in Valchev's absence;
Venislav Antov from Levski with decisive attacks and aces;
Vladimir Garkovwith the most important last two points in the tie-break;
Todor Skrimovalso contributed with blocks and stability in defense.
⚖️ The match was also marked bya contested video challengeat the end of the second set, when Venislav Antov received a second chance to serve after an initial foot fault call was overturned \u2013 a decision that ignited emotions in the hall. 🎥🧠
🏆 With this success, the champions from Levski showed character and squad depth, while Lokomotiv demonstrated that even without their captain, they can compete with the best. The next matches promise even more volleyball excitement! 🔥
💥Vladimir Garkov was above all with 23 points(1 ace, 1 block), and it was his attack from zone 4 that decided the tie-break.
Venislav Antov also shone with 22 points (3 aces, 1 block), including key plays in the fourth set and the tie-break.
Todor Skrimov added stability, while Livan Osoria and Stoil Palev distinguished themselves with several key solo blocks in decisive moments.
Photos: Nikolay Varadinov
