The Bulgarian national volleyball team suffered a heavy 0:3 loss (20:25, 20:25, 21:25) against Turkey in their third match of Pool D at the Nations League tournament, held in "Arena Burgas". In front of 6000 spectators supporting the "Lions", the Bulgarians failed to show their usual fighting spirit, and the match was marred by a very severe injury to setter Simeon Nikolov in the second set.
🎯 Key moment – Simeon Nikolov's injury
At 13:11 in the second set, Nikolov blocked the opponent's attack, but landed awkwardly on an opposing player's foot. The setter remained lying on the ground, obviously in severe pain, and was carried off by his teammates, then taken to the hospital by stretcher. This completely disrupted the organization of the Bulgarian team, and until the end of the match, our players remained without energy or direction.
🔍 Match Chronology
First set (20:25):
Bulgaria started aggressively – Alex Nikolov and Venislav Antov alternated powerful attacks, but the Turkish serve, led by Efe Mandıracı, made the difference. The aces of the Turkish receiver and their more organized block brought an advantage and a convincing end to the set.
Second set (20:25):
The "Lions" looked inspired at the start – Grozdanov, Petkov, and Atanasov built a 7:3 lead. But after Simeon Nikolov's injury, everything collapsed. Turkey turned the score around, and Stoïl Palev, who came in as setter, failed to bring rhythm. Bulgaria lost the second set with an identical score.
Third set (21:25):
Despite attempts by Alex Nikolov and Georgi Tatarov to inspire hope with blocks and attacks, the Turks did not lose control. A triple Bulgarian block brought the score level at 20:20, but a series of errors and an effective attack by Mirza Lagumdžija closed out the match.
📊 Most effective players for Bulgaria:
Venislav Antov – 11 pts.
Martin Atanasov – 8 pts. (1 ace, 1 block)
📊 For Turkey:
Efe Mandıracı – 14 pts. (4 aces)
Mirza Lagumdzija – 14 pts. (1 ace, 1 block)
Bedirhan Bülbül – 13 pts. (3 aces, 1 block)
📉 Standings:
After this defeat, Bulgaria remains with 11 points in 8th place, the same as Slovenia. With this only second victory since the beginning of the tournament, Turkey moves to 16th place with 6 points. Brazil continues to be at the top with 15 points.
🗓️ What's next:
Tomorrow, Bulgaria will seek rehabilitation against Ukraine in their last match of the week in Burgas, while Turkey will face the Olympic champion France.
🇧🇬 We wish Simeon Nikolov a speedy recovery! The national team will need new mobilization and leadership in the remaining matches.
