Bulgaria started its participation in EuroVolley 2026 Women in an excellent way. The national team, led by Marcello Abbondanza, defeated Ukraine 3:0 (25:23, 25:23, 25:20) in their first match of Group B in Brno. The match lasted 85 minutes.
The victory came after two very contested first sets, in which the Ukrainians had their chances. However, Bulgaria showed character in the decisive moments, and then controlled the third set much more confidently.
The most serious test came in the very first set. After an even start, Ukraine gradually took the initiative and gained a six-point lead at 16:10, and later led 20:15. It was precisely then that the Bulgarians changed the course of the set. Stronger serving and blocking play unsettled the Ukrainian reception, and the national team's run led to a tie at 20:20. In the dramatic end, Bulgaria showed more composure and snatched the set 25:23.
The second set again offered a contested battle. Ukraine led 10:7, but the Bulgarians quickly restored equality. In the middle of the set, Abbondanza's team managed to turn the tide and gained an 18:15 lead, and subsequently led 21:18. The Ukrainians closed the gap to just one point at 24:23, but Alexandra Milanova finished the next attack and Bulgaria won again 25:23.
After the two difficult sets, Bulgaria already looked much more confident. The key moment in the third set came in the middle, when the strong Bulgarian serve disrupted the opponent's reception and the national team pulled away to 18:11. Ukrainian coach Jakub Gluszczak tried to change the course with a double substitution, but Bulgaria maintained control and finished the match 25:20.
Bulgaria had a noticeable advantage in the main elements. The national team finished with 39:28 points from attack, 10:7 in blocking, and 8:2 aces. The pressure from the serve became one of the key factors for success, as the Ukrainian reception experienced serious difficulties in certain periods of the match.
Mikaela Stoyanova was the top scorer in the match with 14 points. Alexandra Milanova added 13, and Tsvetelina Ilieva finished with 12 points. Iva Dudova also made a very strong contribution from the bench, scoring 8 points.
Milanova and Stoyanova recorded 10 successful attacks each, Ilieva added 9, and Dudova finished with 6. Dudova's inclusion was particularly effective, as she scored all six of her attack points from eight attempts.
Stoyanova was the most dangerous for the opponent from the serve as well, recording 3 aces. Milanova and Ilieva added one direct serve each.
The success is particularly valuable for Bulgaria because of the way it was achieved. The national team was under serious pressure in the first set, but managed to turn the tide, and subsequently gradually imposed their rhythm. Thus, Marcello Abbondanza's team got the maximum from their first match in the group.
The victory also brings valuable points to Bulgaria for the world ranking, in which the national team was 31st before the match, while Ukraine was 18th.
Bulgaria's next match is against Greece on August 23 at 17:00 Bulgarian time.
photo: cev.eu
