The French teamVolero Le Cannetstarted their participation in the European Champions League qualifiers more than convincingly, after defeating the champion of North MacedoniaYanta Volley Kisela Vodawith a 3:1 (25:15, 25:10, 20:25, 25:9) victory in Skopje.
Marco Fenoglio's volleyball players demonstrated clear superiority from the very first rallies – stable blocking, powerful serving, and excellent organization in attack. With this success, the team from the French Riviera made a decisive step towards the group stage of the tournament.
Convincing teamwork and a stellar performance by Aida Dautova
Middle blocker Aida Dautova was undisputed – with 14 points and an impressive 86% attack efficiency, she was deservedly chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match. Elizaveta Ineh added 13 points (1 ace, 2 blocks), while Lithuanian Ruta Staniulyte, with her 4 aces, put serious pressure on the opponent's reception.
Bulgarian involvement: a stable Vangelia Rachkovska
The Bulgarian outside hitterVangelia Rachkovskastarted the match as a starter and showed reliability in reception and composure in key moments. After a brief absence during the third set, she returned in the fourth, when the French team definitively broke the hosts' resistance. Rachkovska finished the match with6 points, including1 ace, demonstrating efficiency and discipline, typical of her playing style.
Her participation was an important stabilizing factor in Volero's rotation, especially in the fourth set, when the team returned to its aggressive pace and decisively closed the match with a 25:9 score.
Match statistics
| Team | Sets | Aces | Blocks | Top scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volero Le Cannet | 3 | 14 | 3 | Aida Dautova – 14 pts. |
| Yanta Volley | 1 | 3 | 2 | Meri Boshkovska – 17 pts. |
Commentary:
Volero's serve was a decisive factor
– 14 aces against 3 for the hosts speak volumes about the huge difference in the opening serve. Dautova's efficiency and the variety in attack provided stability to the French team, while Yanta Volley relied mainly on Boshkovska's individual class.
Onward to the rematch
The rematch is scheduled forNovember 13 (Thursday)at9:30 PM Bulgarian time, when Volero Le Cannet will host Yanta Volley at home with a comfortable lead and excellent chances for qualifying for the group stage.
Given the form demonstrated, if Vangelia Rachkovska and her teammates maintain the same rhythm and concentration, their place among the Champions League elite seems fully deserved.
With a potential qualification, the team will enterGroup Aof the Champions League, where they will face some of the leading European teams. Thus, France will havetwo representativesin the most prestigious competition on the continent –Volero Le CannetandLevallois Paris, which is already part of group E along withRzeszówSchwerinand the winner of another qualifying clash. и победителя от друг квалификационен сблъсък.
