Champion Bogdanka LUK Lublin recorded a dramatic away victory against ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle with a score of 3:2 (22:25, 25:22, 25:19, 21:25, 15:11) in the derby from the 15th round of the Polish PlusLiga. The captain of the Bulgarian national team, Alex Grozdanov, played a key role in the success with 13 points.
First set – 25:22 for ZAKSA
The start was better for the visitors from Lublin, who first set the rhythm, but ZAKSA gradually stabilized their reception and net play. In the decisive rallies, the hosts showed more composure and closed the set after a series of serving errors from the champions.
Second set – 25:22 for Lublin
The loss in the first set visibly motivated the champions. Alex Grozdanov set the tone for a comeback with crucial points, including an attack from a difficult situation, and the game went point for point. In the end, Lublin's class prevailed, and the score in sets was tied.
Third set – 25:19 for Lublin
In this set, the champion already dictated the events on the court. Strong serving and stable blocking unsettled ZAKSA, and the hosts' errors eased the task for the visitors. Lublin took the lead in the match after a decisive finish.
Fourth set – 25:21 for ZAKSA
Lublin made a series of inaccuracies, especially in attack and serving, which brought ZAKSA back into the match. The hosts took full advantage of the champions' drop in concentration and tied the score, sending the match into a tie-break.
Fifth set – 15:11 for Lublin
In the decisive set, Lublin showed why they are champions. An early lead, stable serving, and control over the rallies did not allow ZAKSA to make a comeback. The finish came after a decisive attack from the right side, bringing the valuable success to the visitors.
The captain of the Bulgarian national team played an exceptionally strong match in all elements. Alex Grozdanov finished with 13 points, of which 8 were from attack and 5 from blocking, without committing a single error in offense. In attack, he scored 8 points from 11 attempts, which translates to a 73% success rate and 72% efficiency – elite metrics for a middle blocker.
On serve, Grozdanov had 16 attempts, with 1 error and no aces, and his serving efficiency remained slightly negative, without affecting his overall contribution. In defense, he had 4 digs, and added 1 assist in setting. With an overall efficiency rating of +12, he was among the most effective players on the court and a key factor in the tie-break victory.
Top Scorers
Bogdanka LUK Lublin
Wilfredo Leon was the top performer in the match with an impressive 28 points, leading the team in both attack and serving in crucial moments. Alex Grozdanov ranked right after him with 13 points, and Mateusz Malinowski contributed 12 points, despite his lower efficiency.
ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle
For the hosts, Kamil Rychlicki was the top scorer with 18 points, albeit with an inconsistent success rate in attack. Igor Grobelny added 15 points and was ZAKSA's most consistent scorer throughout the five sets, and Karol Urbanowicz contributed strongly with 11 points, mainly through blocking and quick attacks.
Marcin Komenda was once again named MVP.
With this eighth consecutive victory, Bogdanka climbed to the top of the standings in Poland, with one point more than Projekt Warszawa, who today cleanly defeated Zawiercie.
