Levski Sofia was very close to advancing in the European tournaments after equalizing the aggregate score against Friedrichshafen and forcing the match to a "golden set", but at the decisive moment, the Germans showed greater stability.
After the home loss with 0:3, the "Blues" were extremely mobilized in Germany. The Bulgarian champion started the rematch with a bang and in just 24 minutes closed the first set, laying the foundation for their strong performance. The momentum continued into the second part, in which Levski did not lose the initiative for a moment and took a lead of 2:0 sets.
The hosts reacted in the third set, taking the lead early. After the 20th point, Levski briefly pulled ahead, but Friedrichshafen managed to withstand the pressure and get back into the match. The fourth set lasted more than half an hour \u2013 the hosts again took the lead early, but a series of unforced errors tipped the scales in favor of the guests from Sofia. In this part, Levski recorded an ace and a point block in key moments, which proved decisive for equalizing and reaching a "golden set".
In the decisive set, Levski only led at the very beginning ", after which the Germans built up a lead mainly due to fewer errors. Despite an ace and a point block from the "Blues", Friedrichshafen triumphed in the end.4:5Result:
Friedrichshafen \u2013 Levski 3:2
(17:25, 22:25, 25:21, 23:25)
Golden Set:
Златен гейм:Team statistics15:13
Indicator
| Friedrichshafen | Levski | Block |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 8 | 5 |
| Attack efficiency | 55% | 54% |
| Ace | 1 | 6 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 27 | 27 |
The statistics show how evenly matched the encounter was. Friedrichshafen's advantage in blocking (8:5) and slightly better attack efficiency proved decisive in the "golden set". Levski compensated with a stronger serve (6 aces), but the equal number of points from errors (27:27) underlines that the match was decided by details.
Levski's individual performance
| Player | Points | +/- | Block | Ace | Attack efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordan Lyutskanov | 24 | +16 | 3 | - | 55% |
| Julian Weizigk | 23 | +15 | - | 2 | 64% |
| Svetoslav Gotsev | 12 | - | - | - | - |
| Borislav Buchkov | 12 | - | - | - | - |
Gordan Lyutskanov played an exceptionally strong match with 24 points, +16 and 55% attack efficiency, excellently supported by Julian Weisigk with 23 points, 2 aces and an impressive 64% in attack. Middle blockers Gotsev and Buchkov added 12 points each, but despite the solid individual contributions, it was not enough for the final success.
Levski leaves the European tournaments with their heads held high after one of their most dramatic matches of the season, showing that they can stand their ground equally against strong opponents from leading leagues.
