Neftochimic 2010 started its participation in the "Stara Zagora" Cup tournament with a victory. The holder of the Bulgarian Cup and national vice-champion defeated CSKA with 3:1 (29:27, 14:25, 25:18, 25:21) in the "Ivan Vazov" hall.
The match was also interesting in view of the upcoming Bulgarian Supercup tournament. In just over two weeks, the two teams will face each other again – on October 17 in a semi-final in the "Levski Sofia" hall.
The head coach of the Burgas team, Ivan Stanev, started the match with Vladimir Stankov as setter, Stoyan Dimitrov as opposite, Stefan Chavdarov and Martin Krastev as middle blockers, Adam Bartosz and Stefan Skakic as outside hitters, and Yasen Petrov as libero.
The first game turned out to be the most contested. CSKA had their chances and reached four game points, but Neftochimic managed to escape. At 27:27, the Burgas team won two consecutive rallies and closed the set with 29:27.
CSKA's response was decisive. The "Reds" built a significant lead in the second game, and Ivan Stanev sought changes, including Konstantin Nechev and Tsvetelin Tsvetanov. However, the capital team did not allow a comeback and equalized the score with 25:14.
Neftochimic took the initiative again in the third game. The Burgas team made a strong run with Stoyan Dimitrov serving, and during the set, Dimitar Vasilev also got a chance. The lead gradually reached seven points, and Ivan Stanev's team reached 25:18.
The fourth game remained even until its middle. After 17:17, Neftochimic managed to make the decisive break. Stefan Chavdarov scored an ace, Stoyan Dimitrov added important points in attack and from serve, and the Burgas team led 24:20. CSKA saved the first match point, but a service error by Stanislav Kulagin ended the match – 25:21 and 3:1 for Neftochimic.
Thus, the Burgas team secured their first victory at the tournament in Stara Zagora, and on October 2, at 4:30 PM, they will face the host Beroe. The match will be broadcast on Sportbg.bg.
For Neftochimic and CSKA, the more serious test between them is coming on October 17, when the stake will be a place in the final of the Bulgarian Supercup.