Levski missed two match points, but still managed to clinch their first, albeit hard-fought, victory over Croatian Mursa (Osijek) in the first match of the second preliminary round of the Champions League. The "Blues" can regret not closing out the match with a 3:1 score, after having two opportunities to finish the game but missing them. In the end, the 3:2 victory (22:25, 25:23, 25:22, 25:27, 16:14) leaves everything open before the return leg in Sofia, where a 3:0, 3:1 or even 3:2 win will qualify the Bulgarian champions for the third, final qualification round before the group stage.

First Set

Levski started well, with an attack by Julian Weizig, but then the Croatians set the pace and took a 10:6 lead after a series of good plays by Andrić and a solid block. However, the Bulgarian champion did not give up – Svetoslav Gotsev scored two consecutive blocks to make it 18:18, but in the decisive points, attack errors by Buchkov and a successful counter by Ivan Dirlić brought the set to Mursa – 25:22.

Second Set

The second set started poorly for the "Blues" – 2:5, but gradually Julian Weizig and Todor Skrimov found their rhythm. An ace by Weizig turned the score to 13:12, and a block by Gotsev put Levski ahead 19:17. Until the end, Skrimov and Lyutskanov controlled the tempo, and a service error by the Croatians brought the equalizer – 25:23.

Third Set

Mursa started strong and took an 8:5 lead, but Skrimov was again a leader with powerful attacks from zone 4. After a series of successful blocks and stable play by Palev in setting, Levski turned the score to 18:16 and allowed no more hesitations. At 25:22, the "Blues" were already leading 2:1 and seemed close to victory.

Fourth Set

A set that will be remembered for a long time. Levski controlled the development, had a 22:20 lead and even two match points at 24:22, but failed to close out the set. A series of attack inaccuracies and Mursa's stable defense allowed the hosts to turn the score to 27:25 and equalize – 2:2. The missed opportunity could have been fatal.

Nikolay Zhelyazkov motivated his team excellently – Skrimov and Lyutskanov took the lead with powerful attacks, and at 14:13, the "Blues" again reached match point. This time, the omnipresent Leo Andrić made a mistake and brought Levski the victory with 16:14 in the tie-break and 3:2 sets for the guests from Sofia.

Statistics and Individual Results

Top scorers forMOK Mursa (Osijek)in the match against Levski were:Leo Andrić – 36 points andKarlo Jakovac – 14 points.
Here are the point results for all players ofLevski Sofiain the match against Mursa (Osijek):

• Julian Weizig – 22 points

• Todor Skrimov – 18 points

• Gordan Lyutskanov – 16 points

• Svetoslav Gotsev – 9 points

• Lazar Buchkov – 7 points

• Stoil Palev – 2 points

• Martin Totkov – 1 point
  
  Weizing was named MVP of the match.
  

  
  

  
  The rematch is on November 12th at 8 PM in the Levski-Sofia hall.
  
  photos: CEV and levskivc.bg