Levski Sofia's volleyball players concluded their participation in European club tournaments for this season, despite winning the return leg against Swiss Cheseaux with a 3:2 (16:25, 12:25, 25:16, 25:19, 15:11) victory at 'Levski Sofia' hall after 95 minutes of play.

However, the 0:3 defeat in the first away match proved decisive. The opponents only needed two sets to secure their place in the second round of the Challenge Cup, and once they did, the outcome of the match in Sofia did not matter for their ultimate success.

The first two sets were entirely dictated by the team from Switzerland, which demonstrated higher class and stability. The 'Blues' played under pressure, made numerous inaccuracies, and failed to impose their rhythm. After the visitors' goal was achieved, their coach made mass changes, which gave the Bulgarian players a chance to get back into the match.

In the third set, Radoslav Arsov's trainees started playing freely, took a 7:4 lead, and controlled the development until the end – 25:16. With similar energy, they continued into the fourth set, where after a series of strong attacking performances and stable reception, they managed to take a 21:17 lead and level the score in the match.

The decisive tie-break started evenly, but at 10:10, the experienced Slavina Koleva led her teammates with a series of strong serves, including an ace, which allowed Levski to pull ahead and close the set 15:11.

Koleva was also the top scorer with 17 points (3 aces) and clinched the MVP award, followed by Vanessa Radeva with 12 (2 aces, 6 blocks) and Elena Kolarova, who added 10 (2 aces, 1 block).

Despite being eliminated, the 'Blues' demonstrated character and fighting spirit, managing to turn the match around after a difficult start – a sign that Levski's young team continues to develop and gain experience on the international stage.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov