The champion and winner of the efbet Supercup of Bulgaria 2025 Levski Sofia started the new championship with an unexpected loss, after being defeated at home by Neftochimic 2010 (Burgas) with 0:3 (19:25, 20:25, 16:25) in the first-round derby of efbet Super Volley.
"The Blues", who only a few days ago triumphed for the third consecutive time with the Bulgarian Supercup after a 3:1 set victory over Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv), this time failed to show their usual performance.

Levski without the Supercup MVP

Head coach Nikolay Zhelyazkov could not rely on Gordan Lyutskanov, who was chosen as the Supercup MVP and was replaced by young Nikola Konstantinov Plamen Konstantinov's nephew.

The lack of stability in reception and lower attack efficiency proved to be decisive factors for the defeat.

Match Progression

First set (19:25):
The match started evenly until 5:5, but a series of inaccuracies in the hosts' attack allowed Neftochimic to take control. After a series of excellent performances by Ricardo Junior and Martin Krastev, the visitors closed the set with 25:19, showing stable blocking and precise serving.

Second set (20:25):
Levski started better, but the Burgas team quickly turned the score around after a series of aces by Kaloyan Balabanov and Ricardo Junior. Setter Dmytro Dolgopolov played with variety, while the central block of Stefan Chavdarov and Martin Krastev isolated the hosts' main attackers.

Third set (16:25):
In the third set, Neftochimic demonstrated total dominance. Strong serves by Adi Osmanovic and Ricardo Junior led to 21:12, and Kaloyan Balabanov's attack closed the match with a decisive 25:16.

Kaloyan Balabanov finished with the most points for the winners 12, while Ricardo Junior and Martin Krastev added 10 points each for the victory.
From the Levski team, no one reached a double-digit score, and Yulian Veysing had the most points 6.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov