The ChampionLevski Sofiadramatically defeatedCSKAwith3:2 (25:20, 23:25, 23:25, 25:20, 15:6)in the derby of the 9th round of efbet Super Volley. The match was played in the "Levski Sofia" hall, and among the official guests was the coach of the national teamGianlorenzo Blengini, who watched the match live.
First set – 25:20
Levski set a higher tempo from the start and controlled the initiative. A strong serve and stable block play allowed the "Blues" to maintain a comfortable lead. Gordan Lyutskanov and Lazar Buchkov led the attack, while CSKA struggled to find rhythm. The set was closed after a service error by the "Reds".
Second set – 23:25
CSKA responded with better attack organization and a more aggressive serve. The game went point for point until the middle, after which the "Reds" pulled ahead with a small lead. Stoyko Nenchev and Mohammad Reza Beik carried the offensive load. CSKA equalized after a solid end to the set.
Third set – 23:25
The guests continued their surge and once again dictated the rhythm. Levski had their chances but showed hesitation in crucial rallies. After a contested series and tension at the net, CSKA closed the set with more composure. Thus, the "Reds" took a 2:1 lead.
Fourth set – 25:20
The champions reacted decisively. Strong serving, more aggression on the block, and excellent organization from Stoil Palev returned the initiative to the hosts. Lazar Buchkov and Todor Skrimov were leading in attack, and Levski did not allow a collapse at the end. The match went into a tie-break.
Tie-break – 15:6
The decisive part began with complete dominance by Levski. At the very beginningthe Iranian Mohammad Reza Beik received a red card for unsportsmanlike conductwhich further tipped the scales. The "Blues" dominated in block and counter-attack, leaving no chance for their opponent. The tie-break was convincingly won, and the derby - decided.
Top scorers (double-digit active) and MVP
Levski:
| Player | Points | Ace | Attack | Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordan Lyutskanov | 22 | - | 18 | 4 |
| Lazar Buchkov | 20 | 3 | 12 | 5 |
| Yulian Vaysig | 15 | - | 14 | 1 |
| Stoil Palev (MVP) | 3 | 2 | - | 1 |
Levski had four volleyball players with double-digit points, which is indicative of their balanced attack. Skrimov was the top scorer, and Buchkov had a key presence on block and a colossal 20 points for a middle blocker. Stoil Palev shone with his serve and attack organization, which were decisive in the tie-break.
CSKA:
| Player | Points | Ace | Attack | Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamish Hazeldine | 18 | 1 | 17 | - |
| Mohammad Reza Beik | 12 | - | 12 | - |
| Stoyko Nenchev | 10 | 1 | 9 | - |
CSKA had a more limited number of scorers, with the main burden falling on Hazeldine and Beik. The latter played his most crucial minutes in the championship in the tie-break, in which he also received a red card. The lack of additional support in attack and the breakdown in discipline in the tie-break tipped the scales in favor of Levski, despite the 'reds'' good two middle sets.
Stoil Palevwas fully deservedly chosen asMVP of the match.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
