Deya made a partial comeback and after trailing by1:2 sets, managed to snatch the victory in the tie-break against the Bulgarian Cup finalistPirinwith3:2 (20:25, 25:20, 19:25, 25:22, 16:14).
The guests might regret it, as in the decisive part they managed to force the match to extra points, but the hosts endured and with better concentration won two crucial points for the standings.
Pirin led by 2:1 sets and seemed closer to victory, but Deya showed character in the most important moments, especially in the tie-break, where the hosts remained calm in the decisive rallies.
Nakov with a phenomenal match, but without a victory
This happened despite the phenomenal play of Pirin's opposite hitter Marian Nakov, who played one of his strongest matches of the season and finished with a colossal 38 points (+28), 4 aces, 2 blocks, and an impressive 62% attack efficiency.
Support came from Kyosev with 14 points and Gadzhanov with 12, while Kamenov remained more modest with 9. However, all of this did not help the guests for more than a point for the standings, after they missed the decisive rallies in the tie-break.
Bratoev MVP, Bairami and Tsvetanov shouldered the load for Deya
For the winners, the leader was Valentin Bratoev, who finished with 22 points (+16), 1 ace, 2 blocks, and 58% in attack, deservedly being chosen as MVP.
Significant offensive responsibility was also shouldered by Bairami with 21 and Tsvetanov with 20, as it was this trio that led Deya to victory in the key moments.
Match Statistics
| Category | Deya | Pirin |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 10 | 8 |
| Attack (%) | 52% | 53% |
| Positive reception | 42% | 45% |
| Aces | 8 | 5 |
| Service errors | 15 | 15 |
| Attack points | 79 | 78 |
| Total points scored | 105 | 106 |
The statistics show how evenly matched the game was. Pirin even had a slight advantage in attack and reception, as well as more total points scored (106 versus 105), but the details proved decisive.
Deya's blocking and serving brought an advantage in the most crucial moments – the ratio of 10:8 blocks and 8:5 aces tipped the scales in favor of the hosts, who showed better concentration in the tie-break.
