At 42 years old, Boyan Yordanov continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in volleyball. The Bulgarian opposite hitter, known for his powerful left hand and true leader's character, once again became a key figure in the Greek league. Yordanov played another impressive match, leading Aris to a dramatic victory over Iraklis in the Thessaloniki derby with 38 points – a win that highlights his endurance and timeless class.

The match in Thessaloniki ended 3:2 (25:23, 23:25, 16:25, 25:21, 17:15) and offered all components of high-class volleyball – tactical battles, comebacks, tension, and top-level individual performances.

First Set: A Stable Start for Aris

Aris started with high attacking efficiency and took a 5:1 lead, controlling the tempo until the end of the set. Iraklis narrowed the gap, but the hosts maintained stable play with a high first-attack percentage and won the set 25:23.

Second Set: Comeback and Forced Interruption

Iraklis started more aggressively and built a 1:6 lead. Aris turned it around to 11:10, but then the visitors went on a run, and the set ended 23:25.
In the middle of the set, the match was temporarily stopped after Giorgos Tzioumakas signaled that he had been spat on by a spectator. After a warning to the crowd, play resumed.

Third Set: Iraklis Takes Control

The visitors used their built-up momentum, significantly improved their blocking and counter-attacks, and logically won the set 16:25, putting Aris under serious pressure.

Fourth Set: Yordanov's Serving Run Changes the Dynamic

With Iraklis leading 15:17, Boyan Yordanov took the initiative. His series of strong serves disrupted the visitors' reception, and subsequent successful attacks brought the necessary comeback. Aris stabilized their play and tied the match after 25:21.

Fifth Set: Better Control Under High Pressure

Aris started the tie-break with a 9:4 lead, but Iraklis tied it at 14:14 after good defensive and counter-attacking work. In the decisive rallies, Yordanov scored an attack for 16:15, and an impressive block by Aris sealed the final 17:15.

Individual Duel: Yordanov vs. Tzioumakas

• Boyan Yordanov – 38 points, key performances in the fourth and fifth sets

• Giorgos Tzioumakas – nearly 30 points and approximately 60% efficiency

Tzioumakas, despite returning after a two-week absence, played at a high level, but it was Yordanov's greater experience and higher scoring output that tilted the match in favor of Aris, where Plamen Konstantinov and Lyubomir Ganev have also played.