The Bulgarian volleyball duo Matey Kaziyski and Tsvetan Sokolov were once again at the center of events for Halkbank (Ankara). The team, led by Radostin Stoychev, convincingly won the derby against Galatasaray with 3:0 sets (25:23, 25:20, 27:25) in the second round of the Efeler League. The match was played in front of 3000 spectators in the Ziraat Bankart hall, with the Bulgarians once again demonstrating their class.
| Player | Team | Points | Aces | Blocks | Attack efficiency | Reception | Overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matey Kaziyski | Halkbank | 15 | 1 | – | 61% | 50% positive | +10 |
| Tsvetan Sokolov | Halkbank | 13 | 2 | 2 | 56% | – | +9 |
| Yoandy Leal | Halkbank | 11 | 2 | 1 | 47% | 42% positive | +7 |
| Jean Patry | Galatasaray | 14 | 1 | 1 | 55% | – | +11 |
| Stephen Maar | Galatasaray | 15 | 1 | – | 61% | 58% positive | +6 |
Kaziyski showed impressive stability both in attack and reception – his 61% attack efficiency and 50% positive reception demonstrate his vast experience and composure in crucial moments. Sokolov was the powerful weapon at the net – in addition to his attacks, he also delivered two aces and two blocks, showing a complete presence in all phases of the game.
Halkbank was more organized, with fewer errors and better synchronization in attack, while Galatasaray relied mainly on the individual performances of Patry and Maar. The 3:0 victory is a clear sign that Radostin Stoychev's team is in excellent form and has ambitions to dominate the championship.
