Bulgaria's U18 men's national team lost in an extremely dramatic fashion to Serbia with a score of 2:3 sets (20:25, 25:18, 25:22, 22:25, 13:15) in a match from the first qualification tournament for the European Championship. The 'Little Lions' played a very strong match, led by Antoan Veselinov, but in the decisive tie-break, they failed to keep their composure, and this tipped the scales in favor of their opponent.

Following this result, Bulgaria will play its first semi-final against hosts Montenegro tomorrow at 19:00 in Podgorica, while Serbia will face Turkey at 21:30. Only the tournament winner secures a direct spot for the European Championship in Italy, while the remaining teams will have to go through an additional qualification stage.

Head coach Miroslav Zhivkov started the match with the following lineup: Nikola Velikov, Nikola Gradinarov, Kristiyan Kosev, Adrian Ganev, Kristiyan Ivanov, Antoan Vasilev, and libero Ivaylo Donov.

The match started with a long rally and the first point for Bulgaria, but Serbia immediately responded with three consecutive points. Our team quickly restored parity at 4:4, but a series of reception problems allowed the 'Blues' to score four unanswered points. Zhivkov's timeout brought brief relief, and the score was reduced to 6:8, but the Serbians continued to make fewer errors and took a 14:8 lead. At 17:11, the set seemed decided, although the Bulgarians found the strength to come back and narrow the gap to 19:22. However, a crucial defensive error ended hopes of a comeback, and Serbia closed the first set with 25:20.

In the second set, Bulgaria started very confidently and took a 3:0 lead, and shortly after, extended their lead to 9:5. Our team's play was stable, the rallies well-structured, and the score became 13:9. After a brief hesitation, the Bulgarians regained control and pulled ahead to 17:13. Towards the end, they showed confidence and concentration to level the match score after 25:18.

The third set began with a slight advantage for Serbia, but Bulgaria quickly caught up with their opponent. Blocking became a main weapon and brought a turnaround to 8:5. Excellent defense and good organization allowed our team to maintain a solid lead, which reached 14:9 and later 19:13. Serbia dangerously closed the gap to 20:21, but in the decisive moments, the young Bulgarians showed character and won the set with 25:22.

In the fourth set, the initiative was with Serbia, who took a 5:2 lead and then extended the difference to 8:2. The Bulgarians lost their rhythm, and the opponent took advantage to reach 10:3. Gradually, our team recovered, regained their confidence, and with the help of blocking, reduced the deficit to 10:12. Nevertheless, Serbia pulled ahead again, and at 20:14, seemed close to the tie-break. However, Bulgaria showed spirit and closed the gap to 20:22, but this time the Serbians held on and leveled the match after 25:22.

The tie-break started excellently for Bulgaria – 4:1, but Serbia quickly equalized. The game turned into a true battle of nerves with constant reversals. Our team took a 13:12 lead after a series of excellent blocks, but the opponent responded. Serbia was the first to reach match point, and despite Zhivkov's timeout, the last Bulgarian attack missed its target, and the match concluded at 15:13 in favor of the 'Blues'.