Cherno More (Varna) gave a clear sign of change already in their first match for 2026. In the debut of the new head coach Yordan Mitsin, the Varna team showed will and character, and after a five-set battle, they defeated Montana 3:2 (25:23, 22:25, 21:25, 25:18, 15:8) in a match from the 12th round of efbet Super Volley, played in the 'Hristo Borisov' hall in the maritime capital.
The hosts were pushed against the wall after falling behind 1:2 in sets, but managed to regroup their game. The fourth set provided the necessary momentum, and in the decisive tie-break, Cherno More took control from the start and did not allow the visitors to get back into the match.
The match was also watched by Tomislav Rusev, who is recovering from a hernia operation.
After this match, both teams maintain their positions in the provisional standings. The Varna team is 9th with 2 wins, 9 losses, and 7 points, while Montana occupies 8th place with 5 wins, 6 losses, and 14 points.
The schedule for the 13th round, which will take place after a two-week break, sends Cherno More away to Beroe 2016 in Stara Zagora, while the team from Montana will host CSKA.
Individually, Marcel Guylondong played his strongest match of the season so far and led the Varna team with 27 points (3 blocks, +20, 4 aces, and 61% attack efficiency), which also earned him the MVP award. Simeon Dimitrov formed an excellent partnership with him, scoring 23 points, including an impressive 5 aces and 2 blocks. The Portuguese middle blocker André Medeiros also recorded his first official match for Cherno More, finishing the game with 7 points.
For Montana, Aleksandar Mitkov was the top scorer with 17 points (1 block, 4 aces), while Krystian Walczak and Bruno Rubbo contributed 14 and 13 points, but this was not enough for a win.
Statistically, Cherno More had a significant advantage in blocks – 12:6, as well as a slight advantage in attack – 53% versus 51%. Aces were perfectly even – 11:11. Montana compensated with more points from opponent errors (30 versus 29), but in the decisive moments, the Varna team was the more stable and composed side.
Photo:NVL.bg
