There are matches that are more than three points. There are evenings when volleyball reminds us that it doesn't live solely on budgets and names, but on courage, mindset, and the right person at the right time. Such was the evening at "Opiquad Arena," where Vero Volley Monza decisively defeated Modena 3:0 (33:31, 25:23, 25:21) and recorded the most surprising result of the 17th round of the SuperLega.

This wasn't just a victory. It was a demonstration of confidence, tactical discipline, and collective maturity, garnished with powerful net play and a strong Bulgarian presence that tipped the scales at crucial moments.

'It sounds incredible, but what happened in Monza was absolutely real!'

With these words, Massimo Eccheli summarized what happened against one of Italy's giants. This time, however, Monza didn't just resist the favorite – they broke them psychologically and tactically.

Massimo Eccheli, head coach of Vero Volley Monza:
'Volleyball is a strange sport. Just a few days ago in Cisterna, we played a match without the necessary sharpness, and today we achieved an incredibly emotional victory. This should also be a lesson for us – entering the court with the right mindset, confidence in one's own abilities, can greatly help the team play such a match.

As for Velichkov – he's working very well, training seriously, and he deserved this chance. He came in calmly, without pressure, and showed maturity in his decisions. This is the path he must continue on – with patience and persistence. The competition is strong, but when a young player responds to an opportunity in this way, it's a very positive signal for both him and the team.'

First set – a test of nerves

The match began with hesitant serving from both sides, and Modena appeared more confident early on. Monza, however, stayed in the match thanks to solid defense and the first serious block interventions. After a dramatic battle of exchanged points, the hosts snatched the set 33:31, a psychological blow that proved decisive.

Second set – Velichkov's moment

It was here that the match began to turn around. Modena pulled ahead early (3:8, 10:16), and Monza seemed under pressure. At this moment, Zhasmin Velichkov, who had already entered at the end of the first set, took responsibility. Confident in attack, aggressive on the block, and cool-headed in his decisions, the Bulgarian brought calmness and balance. Monza turned the tide and closed the set at 25:23.

Third set – control and maturity

After the second set, Modena no longer found the necessary confidence. Monza dictated the pace, and their block and organized defense behind it stifled the visitors. 25:21 and a logical end to an evening where the hosts left no doubt as to which was the better team.

Zhasmin Velichkov – the evening he announced himself

Velichkov started as a substitute but became a key figure. Remaining on the court until the end, he played the second set almost flawlessly and made a strong claim for a starting spot.

The numbers confirm the impression from the court – Velichkov played maturely, without unnecessary risk, and was a factor both in attack and at the net. It is precisely such contributions that change the internal hierarchy within a team.

Atanasov started as a starter and participated in the first set, helping to win it, as well as part of the second.

Although without a significant contribution in attack, Atanasov fulfilled his tasks in reception and helped ensure a stable start. However, the competition for the position is relentless, and the evening belonged to his compatriot.

Collective dominance

The block difference is telling – 15 against 4. This is where Monza won the match, compensating for the weaker serve with excellent net organization and defensive discipline.
Hungarian opposite Krisztián Pádár was deservingly named MVP of the match. He finished as the top scorer on the court (20 points) and was the linchpin in attack during crucial moments.

These three points solidified Monza's eighth place and turned the upcoming clash with Cuneo into a direct battle for a playoff spot. But beyond the standings, this match showed something more important – Monza has the depth and courage to rely on its young players.

And for Bulgarian volleyball, the evening in Monza was a clear signal: Yasmin Velichkov is no longer just a promise, but a real factor at the highest level. Sometimes one match is enough to change your status. This happened at the 'Opiquad Arena'.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov and legavolley.it