Neftochimik 2010 qualified for the semifinals of the Bulgarian Cup tournament for men, after turning around and outplaying Beroe 2016 with 3:1 sets (19:25, 25:22, 25:19, 25:20) in the second quarter-final, played in the "SamElion" hall in Samokov. Thus, the team from Burgas became the second semifinalist and will compete for a spot in the final with Lokomotiv Avia, who earlier eliminated Montana with 3:0 sets.
Beroe started the match more confidently and set the pace in the first set. After leading 8:5 and 16:12, the team from Stara Zagora controlled the game and closed the set at 25:19 for a 1:0 lead.
The second set became a turning point. Beroe again started better (8:3), but Neftochimik gradually stabilized their game. A tough battle ensued at the net, with many point-scoring blocks and a 19:19 tie. In the decisive moments, the Burgas team were more precise in attack and, after a strong run, took the set 25:22.
In the third set, Neftochimik was already dictating events. After leading 8:6 and 16:11, the team did not allow a collapse and confidently won 25:19.
The fourth set started with an advantage for Beroe (8:4), but a strong comeback followed. Neftochimik equalized and took the lead at 16:13, and controlled the development until the end, closing the match with 25:20 and an overall result of 3:1 sets.
Team Statistics
| Indicator | Neftochimik 2010 | Beroe 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Points from attack | 48 | 45 |
| Aces | 2 | 3 |
| Points from block | 16 | 10 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 28 | 27 |
Neftochimik's decisive advantage came from blocking – 16 points against 10 for Beroe. The difference in attack was minimal, and aces were even in favor of the Stara Zagora team, but better work at the net and fewer hesitations in key moments tipped the scales in favor of the Burgas team.
For Neftochimik, Ricardo Junior was the most effective player – 18 points, plus/minus +9, 6 blocks, and 40% attack efficiency.
Kaloyan Balabanov contributed 11 points, plus/minus +3, 2 blocks, and 30% in attack.
Stefan Chavdarov played a very strong match – 10 points, plus/minus +7, 2 blocks, and an impressive 80% attack success rate.
For Beroe, Martin Mechkarov was the leading scorer with 16 points, plus/minus +4, 4 blocks, and 34% in attack.
Branislav Hanušek finished with 11 points, while Plamen Shekerdzhiev and Svetlozar Chernokozhev added 10 each, but this was not enough for success.
After a shaky start, Neftochimic showed character, stabilized their reception, raised their attack level, and most importantly, dominated on the block. Under the guidance of Ivan Stanev, the team from Burgas demonstrated a new face and deservedly advance to the semifinals, while for Beroe, there remains a sense of a missed opportunity after their strong start.
