The team of "Neftochimic Burgas" started its European campaign convincingly, defeating Swiss "Chenois Geneve" with 3:0 (26:24, 25:21, 25:20) in the first match of the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup, played in the Centre Sportif de Sous-Moulin hall in Thônex. The match lasted 77 minutes and clearly demonstrated the superiority of the Bulgarian champion in all elements of the game.
"Neftochimic" scored a total of 71 points against 67 for the hosts, achieving 36 successful attacks, 15 blocks, and 3 aces. The most effective in attack were Kaloyan Balabanov (10 points), Stefan Chavdarov (11 points), and the top scorer for the winners was Ricardo Gomes do Rego Júnior (14 points - including 1 ace and 1 block).
The blocking of the Burgas team was decisive – 15 points from blocks against just 5 for the Swiss, which tipped the scales from the very first game.
Francesco Cadeddu's team demonstrated mature play and composure in key moments, not allowing "Chenois" to find a rhythm. The return match in Burgas will give the Bulgarians a chance to cement their dominance and confidently advance further in the tournament.
