Russia turned over Serbia in front of Eva Yaneva and Rocco Sikiric

Belgrade hosted a match whose value transcended the sports result – a women's volleyball clash between Serbia and Russia, which drew the eyes of Europe and the world. In the stands of the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall (formerly Pionir), among the official guests were CEV President Rocco Sikiric and Bulgarian star Eva Yaneva – former captain of our national team and until recently sports director of Volero Le Cannet. 🔴⚪️🟢

Yaneva's presence is also justified by her new role as a talent scout.

🎯Politics and volleyball – together on the court

Although Russia is still isolated from official international tournaments, the match in Belgrade was its first major stage since Euro 2021. And the message was clear – Russia is ready to return.
✅ The most important thing:the president of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) Rocco Sikiric personally attended the match, therebyde facto legitimizing the holding of this matchon the territory of Europe. His presence sends a clear signal – although Russia has been excluded from all official competitions under the auspices of CEV and FIVB, high-level contacts and the preparation of the strongest national teams continue. 🇪🇺🤝

🏐Drama on the court: Russia turns over Serbia from 0:2 to 3:2

Serbia's rejuvenated squad played its first match in front of an audience with great energy, led by the returning Zoran Terzić. Without their big star Tijana Bošković (who watched from the stands)

, the Serbians were close to a sensational victory after leading 2:0 in sets and 23:20 in the third part. But Russia responded with a killer serve by Arina Fedorovtseva,

solid blocks by Yulia Brovkina and strong attacks by Marina Markova – and turned it around to 3:2 (20:25, 22:25, 25:23, 25:19, 15:13). 🔄

🏐 The match was played in the well-filled Aleksandar Nikolić Hall (the former Pionir), where spectators enjoyed quality volleyball. Although no player is currently in peak form, what the Serbian volleyball players showed definitely satisfied the fans.

🔄 Zoran Terzić, who returned to lead Serbia, started the match with the following lineup: Sladjana Mirkovic (setter), Vanja Bukilić (opposite), outside hitters Katarina Lazovic and Aleksandra Uzelac, middle blockers Maja Aleksić and Hena Kurtagić, libero Aleksandra Jegdić. On the other side of the net were stars like Arina Fedorovtseva, Marina Markova, and Tatyana Tolok.

👊 Serbia started strong, winning the first two sets with good reception play, successful attacks, and impressive blocks. They could have closed the match 3:0 but let slip the end of the third set, also lost the fourth, and the Russians prevailed in a tie-break.

In the fifth game, Serbia failed to stop Russia's momentum. Terzic tried a change at the setter position – Sara Rankovic came in instead of Mirkovic, but even that didn't help. Arina Fedorovtseva was again key with excellent service executions and led Russia to victory.

🗣️ Coaches speak

Zoran Terzic (Serbia):
"The feelings are clear… Especially in this hall, with which we have wonderful memories from 2011. It's as if I was here three months ago. It's pleasant, it couldn't be more pleasant.
We are satisfied, very satisfied – especially with the result, but also with the game. Yesterday we lost 0:4 to them quite easily. Today we fought with defense, fast play, tactics. We cannot be dissatisfied with 2:3 and 13:15 in the tie-break."

Konstantin Ushakov (Russia):
"Our emotions played a trick on us at the beginning. Tension, mistakes… But once we relaxed, we showed that we can play at a top level. This match gave us confidence and reminded us how much we love playing in front of an audience."

📊 Statistics and MVPs

🔹 For Serbia:
Katarina Dangubic – 18 pts, Uzelac and Bukilic – 17 each, Aleksic – 12, Ivanovic – 9.
🔹 For Russia:
Fedorovtseva – 20 pts, Brovkina – 17 (6 blocks), Markova – 9 break points, Podkopaeva – 58% reception.

Channel One Cup 2025

Serbia – Russia 2:3(25:23, 25:22, 23:25, 23:25, 13:15)
May 31, Belgrade, "Aleksandar Nikolic" Hall
Referees: Simic (Serbia), Bondarenko (Russia)

Serbia's lineup:
Dangubic (17), Aleksic (11), Mirkovic (5), Uzelac (17), Kurtagic (9), Bukulic (17) – starting lineup, Egdic (libero), Rankovic (0), Mijatovic (0), Ivanovic (9)

Russia's lineup:
Fedorovtseva (20), Brovkina (17), Tolok (4), Gatina (4), Angelina Lazareva (3), Matveeva (0) – starting lineup, Podkopaeva (libero), Filishtinskaia (0), Anna Lazareva (12), Markova (16), Voronkova (0), Pushina (0), Biryukova (0)

Statistics:
Points: 109:110
Service: 6:7
Attack: 65:56
Block: 14:13
Reception: 39% : 54%
Errors: 34:24

🔮What's next?

A men's clash between Serbia and Russia is coming up – again in the same hall, with even greater intensity.

This could be the beginning of Russia's return to the international stage – first through friendly invitations, then through bolder initiatives by CEV and FIVB.

Photos: Nikolay Varadinov