The 20th round of efbet Super Volley offered various scenarios – a categorical success for leader Lokomotiv Avia and two extremely difficult victories for CSKA and Deya Sport, which came after five-set battles. After these matches, the team from Plovdiv solidified their first place, while the battle for the spots behind them remains completely open.
Lokomotiv Avia without hesitation in Montana
Leader Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv) encountered no difficulties during their away match against Montana, winning convincingly 3:0 (25:19, 25:20, 25:20). The only intrigue in the match appeared in the third set when the hosts took a four-point lead thanks to a strong serve, but the Plovdiv team quickly leveled the game and did not allow a comeback.
Captain Todor Valchev stood out for the winners with 19 points (5 aces, 64% attack efficiency). Kristiyan Aleksov added 18 points (3 blocks, 62% in attack), Dimitar Dulchev scored 11, and Kiril Kolev contributed 9 points (4 blocks and 1 ace).
For Montana, only Kristiyan Valchak reached a double-digit score – 10 points.
CSKA with a dramatic victory in Ruse
CSKA achieved an extremely difficult 13th victory after defeating Dunav (Ruse) as guests with a score of 3:2 (30:28, 25:18, 19:25, 23:25, 15:13).
The "Reds" won the first two sets, but the hosts came back into the match and equalized. In the decisive part, Aleksandar Popov's team showed stronger nerves and snatched the victory.
Hamish Hazeldine was the top scorer for CSKA with 23 points (3 aces, 49% attack efficiency), and Mohammad Reza Beik added 18 points (3 blocks, 2 aces).
For Dunav, Ognyan Hristov played a strong match with 24 points and Alex Nikolov with 23 points, but their efforts were not enough for a victory.
Deya escaped after a comeback against Slavia
Deya Sport (Burgas) also achieved a very difficult victory after defeating Slavia 3:2 (25:15, 22:25, 20:25, 25:19, 15:4) in the "Boycho Branzov" hall.
The Burgas team started strong, but the "Whites" turned the tide to 2:1 sets. In the fourth set, the hosts stabilized their play, and in the tie-break, they dominated emphatically.
Captain Valentin Bratoev was the most effective for Deya with 21 points (2 blocks, 2 aces), and Erion Bajrami scored 18 points.
For Slavia, David Barutov and Obrayan Mokunie finished with 17 points each.
Provisional standings after the played matches of the round
| Team | Points | Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lokomotiv Avia | 46 | 18 | 16 | 2 |
| Levski Sofia | 43 | 17 | 15 | 2 |
| CSKA | 39 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
| Neftochimik 2010 | 38 | 17 | 13 | 4 |
| Beroe 2016 | 30 | 17 | 10 | 7 |
| Deya Sport | 29 | 19 | 10 | 9 |
| Pirin | 24 | 18 | 8 | 10 |
| Montana | 19 | 19 | 6 | 13 |
| Cherno More | 11 | 17 | 3 | 14 |
| Slavia | 8 | 18 | 3 | 15 |
| Dunav | 7 | 18 | 1 | 17 |
Lokomotiv Avia continues to hold first place with a three-point lead over champion Levski. CSKA solidifies its third position, but Neftochimik remains immediately behind them and with a game in hand. In the middle of the table, Beroe and Deya are in a direct battle for fifth place, while at the bottom, Dunav appears to be an almost certain participant in the playout.
Tomorrow, the last two matches of the 20th round will also be played " the derby between Neftochimik and Beroe, as well as the Levski Sofia Cherno More encounter. Both clashes can have a significant impact on the distribution of places before the final rounds of the regular season.
