Levski's men's team began their participation in the traditional "Boris Gyuderov Memorial" tournament in Pernik with a defeat after a true volleyball spectacle. "The Blues" lost to their big rival CSKA with a score of 2:3 (25:21, 26:24, 17:25, 17:25, 10:15) in the classic derby, marked by many reversals, dynamic rallies, and high-level volleyball.
In the "Boris Gyuderov" hall, the two teams offered the spectators a five-set match, in which the initiative shifted several times from one team to the other. Levski took the first two sets after contested and evenly matched rallies, but CSKA showed greater consistency in the subsequent sets and turned the match in their favor.
The top scorer for Nikolai Zhelyazkov's team was Swiss opposite Julian Weisig, who finished the match with 21 points (3 aces, 1 block). Experienced receiver Todor Skrimov contributed 20 points (2 aces, 2 blocks), while Gordan Lyutskanov and captain Svetoslav Gotsev added 14 (1 ace, 1 block) and 13 points (3 aces, 4 blocks) respectively.
The data shows an even distribution of "The Blues'" attacking power, with four players surpassing the 10-point mark. However, lower efficiency after the second set and reception problems allowed CSKA to get back into the match and impose their rhythm.
The top scorers for CSKA, each with 16 points, were:
• Mohamed Beik
• Nikolay Penchev
• Todor Kostov
A special moment for Stoil Palev
Just three days after winning a silver medal with the Bulgarian national team at the World Championship in the Philippines, setter Stoil Palev played a full match against "The Reds". Before the start of the match, the hosts from Minyor Pernik awarded him with a plaque for his achievement. Despite the opportunity for rest offered by the coach, Palev preferred to immediately join the team's preparation.
Upcoming matches and season preparation
Levski will continue its participation in the tournament with a match against Montana tomorrow at 4:00 PM, and on Sunday at 3:30 PM, they will face the hosts from Minyor. The competition in Pernik is a key stage in the team's preparation for the new season, in which the champions will defend their golden treble – championship title, cup, and Bulgarian Supercup.
Despite the loss, the match showed good form from the key players and positive indications for the team's condition on the eve of the season. Against Montana and Minyor, there will be an opportunity for corrections and further development of game form, especially in the reception and defense elements after the second set.
In the other match of the day, VC Minyor defeated Montana 3:2.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
