Levski Sofia's volleyball players played an impressive derby against CSKA, winning decisively 3:0 (25:19, 25:18, 25:20) in a match from the women's "Demax" league. This was Radoslav Arsov's team's third victory, while the "Reds" suffered their first defeat of the season.

Among the spectators in the stands were prominent sports figures "- former national team captain Eva Yaneva, who currently works as a scout, as well as professional boxer Tervel Pulev. His wife, Diana Nenova, who was also with him, was a key setter for many years both in the Bulgarian national team and for CSKA.

Strong start and full control for the "Blues"

After an even start, Levski took a 6:5 lead and from then on dictated a pace that the "Reds" struggled to match. With the score at 15:9, CSKA's coach Yulia Ivanova called a timeout, which temporarily halted the hosts' momentum, but the "Blues" did not allow a comeback. Gabriela Naydenova landed a powerful attack for 24:19, and Ivanina Malinova closed out the first set with an ace "- 25:19.

Comeback in the second set and stable reception play

The second set started with a slight dominance from CSKA, who led 9:6 and 12:9. It was then that Radoslav Arsov's girls showed character, scoring a series of five consecutive points that turned the tide of the set. Good synchronization between Dimana Ivanova and Elena Kolarova brought a new lead for the "Blues". After a direct point from Kolarova's serve and a misunderstanding in the guests' reception, Levski took a 2:0 lead "- 25:18.

Decisive third set and convincing victory

In the third set, Levski pulled ahead 7:4, but CSKA responded with three consecutive points to tie at 7:7. Arsov called a timeout, which yielded results "- the hosts resumed their dominance and took a 13:9 lead. CSKA managed to catch up to 17:17 after an attack by Nicole Okoro, and two aces by Monique De Jesus put the "Reds" ahead. Ultimately, Slavina Koleva with a decisive attack from zone 4 regained the initiative for Levski "- 22:20. After several stable defensive plays and an opponent's attack error, the "Blues" finalized the score at 25:20 and triumphed 3:0.

Venesa Radeva had a strong match with 13 points. 5 of them came from blocks, and 3 from serves. Elena Kolarova finished with 12 points (1 ace, 1 block). Captain Slavina Koleva contributed 11 (1 ace).

After this success, Levski Sofia confidently continues towards the top of the standings, closely catching up to CSKA in the table.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov