The Beroe team achieved its first historic victory in European club tournaments, after making an impressive comeback from 0:2 to 3:2 against the Slovak champion Slovan Bratislava. The match, played in Stara Zagora, offered a true volleyball thriller and showed that head coach Miroslav Zhivkov's young team has character and potential for more in the CEV Challenge Cup tournament.
First two sets – Slovan's dominance
The guests from Bratislava started strong and in the very first set demonstrated better organization in reception and attack. The Slovaks took a 10-point lead in the middle of the set, and despite the hosts' attempts to narrow the gap, Slovan won convincingly 25:17.
In the second part, Beroe improved its game – reception stabilized, and setter Rangel Vitekov managed to effectively set Spas Bayrev and Shekerdzhiev. In decisive moments, however, the Bulgarians made inaccuracies, including an attack out by Bayrev, with which Slovan took a 2:0 lead after 25:23.
Third set – the beginning of the comeback
The third set started evenly, with points exchanged up to 11:11. Gradually, Beroe found its rhythm. A series of excellent blocks by Tonev and Delancey, as well as powerful attacks by Bayrev, brought a lead that increased to 23:16 after an ace by Mechkarov. An attack out by the Slovaks made it 25:17 for the hosts and brought intrigue back into the match.
Fourth set – Bayrev leads the resurgence
With Spas Bayrev in great form (21 points so far), Beroe started confidently and took a 10:5 lead after a series of strong serves by Mechkarov and flawless play by Bayrev. Hanushek's block and Latunov's precise plays maintained the difference. After another ace and a successful counter-attack, Beroe won 25:14 and leveled the score – 2:2.
Tie-break – defense, block, and nerves of steel
In the decisive fifth set, Beroe started with inspired play – after a block by Delancey and a counter by Vitekov, the score became 4:1. The guests tried to come back, but after attacks by Bayrev and Mechkarov at 8:6, the two teams switched sides.
From then on, Beroe kept its composure, defending exceptionally well and managing to save difficult balls in defense. At 13:11, a service error by the Slovaks gave match point, and an ace by Delancey ended the dispute – 15:11 and 3:2 for Beroe!
| Players | Points | Ace | Blocks | Successful attacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spas Bayrev | 29 | 2 | 5 | 54% |
| Delancey | 14 | 2 | 3 | - |
| Mechkarov | 12 | 1 | 2 | 53% |
| Latunov | 10 | 1 | 2 | - |
Commentary:
Blocking was Beroe's main weapon – a total of 19 successful blocks against only 5 for Slovan. Bayrev was the undisputed leader and driving force behind the comeback, while Vitekov distributed the game with great maturity, especially during counterattacks in the third and fourth sets.
Key Match Statistics
| Element | Beroe | Slovan |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 19 | 5 |
| Ace | 7 | 6 |
The Bulgarians showed immense progress in defense and stability in second reception. The excellent synergy between Vitekov and the attackers was crucial, as was the confidence of Bayrev, who recorded 29 points – a record for him in European tournaments.
This victory is historic for Beroe, not only because it's their first in Europe, but also because it came after a complete comeback from 0:2. The team showed maturity, will, and character – qualities that will be decisive in the return match in Bratislava.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
