The first match of the domestic championship in 2026 ended with a surprise – Unirea Dej took a point from Steaua, one of the main contenders for the title. The match, postponed from the second round of the men's Division A1, concluded with a win for the visitors, but only after a tie-break 2:3 (20:25, 25:19, 16:25, 25:19, 8:15).
Steaua paid the price for their shaky play and numerous errors, committing a total of 23 service errors. Instead of a convincing 3:0 or 3:1 victory, which would have put the team level on points with leader SCM Zalau, the 'red-and-blues' left Dej with only two points.
Krasimir Georgiev finished the match with 11 points and a +4 efficiency rating, being stable in attack but without decisive influence in key moments. Svetoslav Ivanov had a more limited involvement, scoring 3 points with a +2 efficiency rating, primarily with contributions in attack and at the net, but without being able to change the course of the match.
Top Scorers
For Unirea Dej, veteran Andrei Grigoras was the leader with 20 points, excellently supported by Lizanec and Suson, who added 16 points each. It was their stability that allowed the hosts to fight game for game and deservedly reach a tie-break.
In Steaua's squad, Rares Balean was the top scorer with 21 points, followed by Alex Ratza with 18 and Baetens with 16, but their individual performances were not enough for a more convincing victory.
Ultimately, Unirea Dej showed character and organization, while Steaua once again had a tough time in this hall – with a win, but also with a missed opportunity in the battle for the top of the standings.
