The Bulgarian national U20 team recorded its third consecutive victory in the European qualification in Sofia. Ventsislav Simeonov's proteges decisively defeated Turkey with 3:0 (25:19, 25:15, 25:19) in "Hristo Botev" Hall and continue undefeated in the tournament.
The Bulgarian team controlled the match almost the entire time and finished the game in about an hour and five minutes. After successes against North Macedonia with 3:0 and Serbia with 3:2, our young national players now have three wins from three matches and 8 points.
The start against Turkey was even, but after 9:9, Bulgaria gradually began to impose its rhythm. Our national players built up a lead and, without allowing the opponent to come back into the set, took the lead after 25:19.
The performance in the second set was even more convincing. Bulgaria took the initiative early, increased its lead, and reached a decisive 25:15 for a 2:0 lead.
The third set also passed under the control of the "lion cubs". Bulgaria led 17:12 before the Turkish team narrowed the gap to 17:15. However, the reaction of our national players was timely, and no comeback occurred. Bulgaria closed the set with 25:19, securing a clean victory.
With this success, Bulgaria remains at the top of the provisional standings with 3 wins from 3 matches and 8 points, with a set ratio of 9:2. Russia is second with 6 points from two matches, and Serbia is third with 4 points from three matches. Belarus and Turkey each have 3 points, while North Macedonia remains without a point.
This practically means that Bulgaria qualifies for EuroVolley 2027, as the teams of Belarus and Russia do not participate in the distribution of the Balkan Volleyball Association quota.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov