Consar Ravenna suffered a painful home defeat to Essence Hotels Fano with2:3 (19:25, 25:23, 25:21, 26:28, 12:15)– a match in which three young players were in the spotlight.
Samuil Valchinov and Hristiyan Dimitrov, both Bulgarian internationals, as well as Manuel Zlatanov – grandson of the legend Dimitar Zlatanov – played a very strong game, but their efforts were not enough for a win.
Zlatanov had his best performance of the season and finished as Ravenna's top scorer with28 points, being the main offensive pillar in crucial moments. Valchinov (19 points, 1 ace, 3 blocks) had key interventions from service, including an ace in the fourth set, and Dimitrov (15 points, 1 block) closed out the second set and contributed steadily in attack and blocking. Despite the character shown by the hosts, the tie-break went in favor of Fano.
Top scorers for Essence Hotels Fano
Fornal – 26 points
Tonkono – 21 points
Merlo – 18 points
The three attackers of the visiting team made the difference, especially in the fifth set, when Fano quickly built a lead and did not allow a comeback.
Ravenna remains with 28 points and will await the remaining results from the round to see the impact on their position. The loss is painful, but the individual growth and leadership of Valchinov, Dimitrov, and especially Zlatanov provide serious reasons for optimism before the new year.
photos: legdvolley.it
