Neftochimic 2010 confirmed its rise since the beginning of the calendar year and won its away game against CSKA with 3:1 (25:17, 26:24, 19:25, 25:19) in the 19th round derby of Super Volley. In "Vasil Simov" hall, the Burgas team played a mature match and took a decisive step in the battle for the top positions.

The success was the ninth in a row for Ivan Stanev's team since the start of the year. Neftochimic is third with 38 points (13 wins, 4 losses), while the "reds" remain fourth with 37 points (12 wins, 5 losses). Interestingly, the first match between the two teams this season also ended 3:1, but then in favor of the team from the capital.

Serve and block decided the first two sets.

The visitors set a high tempo from the start. With Martin Krastev serving, Neftochimic pulled away to 24:16, as three direct points from the serve unsettled CSKA's reception. The first set was convincingly closed – 25:17.

The second part offered a much more even game. The two teams went point for point, but in the decisive rallies, the Burgas team's block was again at a high level. A successful wall made it 26:24 and 2:0 sets.

Reaction from the "army men," but without a tie-break.

With their backs against the wall, CSKA's coach gave a chance to young Nikola Velikov and Zahari Zgurov. In the third set, the hosts took an early lead and maintained their advantage to 25:19.

In the fourth set, however, Neftochimic once again demonstrated class in serving and blocking. Control at the net and fewer unforced errors guaranteed the final 25:19 and 3:1.

Individual statistics.

Martin Krastev was chosen as the most valuable player with 16 points (3 aces, 4 blocks). Adi Osmanovic was the top scorer with 22 points (1 ace). Stefan Chavdarov added 14 points (5 blocks), Kaloyan Balabanov – 13 (1 block), and Ricardo Junior – 10 (3 aces).

For CSKA, Hamish Hazeldine scored 16 points (2 aces, 1 block), Mohammad Reza Beik – 13 (3 blocks), and Teodor Todorov – 10 (1 ace, 4 blocks).

In the next round, CSKA visits Dunav, and Neftochimic hosts Beroe.

Pirin with a decisive victory over Slavia in the capital.

Pirin (Razlog) recorded its eighth victory in the championship with a clean 3:0 (25:16, 25:20, 25:18) in its away game against Slavia, also in a match from the 19th round of Super Volley.

Blagovest Katranzhiev's team occupies the seventh position with 24 points (8 wins, 10 losses), while the "whites" are tenth with 7 points (3 wins, 14 losses).

Strong start and control until the end.

The Razlog team started strong – 6:1 in the first set, imposing an aggressive serve and stable block play from the very beginning. The set ended at 25:16.

In the second set, Slavia took a 4:0 lead and briefly seemed to bring back the intrigue. After the middle of the set, however, Pirin stabilized its reception and turned the tide to close it at 25:20.

The third set passed entirely under the dictation of the visitors. They showed no hesitation and with 25:18, secured the final 3:0.

The leaders of the Razlog team.

Lyubomir Agontsev was named MVP. Mariyan Nakov was the top scorer with 15 points (1 ace, 3 blocks). Zlatko Kyosev and Kostadin Gadzhanov added 10 points each, with the center distinguishing himself with 5 blocks and 2 aces.

For Slavia, Dimitar Chavdarov and Viktor Nedyalkov scored 8 points each.

The victory solidified Pirin's position in the middle of the table, while Slavia continues to seek stability in their performance.

photo:nvl.bg