Champion Levski Sofia started the final series in efbet Super Volley in a championship manner, after overturning Bulgarian Cup holder Neftochimic 2010 (Burgas) and taking a 1-0 lead in the final. The "Blues" prevailed with a 3:1 (21:25, 25:20, 25:20, 25:23) score in the first clash of the series, which is played to three wins out of five matches. The match in "Levski Sofia" hall was watched live by the national team coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, as well as by national player Venislav Antov.
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Comeback with character and a stronger finish
The start was for the Burgas team, who set the rhythm with strong serves and a solid block. Ricardo Junior set the tone with powerful performances, and Neftochimic gradually built up a lead to close the first set at 25:21.
After that, however, Levski raised their level, especially in blocking and serving. Todor Skrimov and Gordan Lyutskanov led the "Blues" in attack, and Lazar Buchkov was key in the middle. The hosts took control of the second and third sets with an identical 25:20 score and turned the tide of the match.
The fourth set was the most dramatic. Levski took the lead, but Neftochimic managed to equalize at 21:21. In the decisive moments, however, the young Adrian Genev and the experienced Buchkov made the difference, and Lyutskanov's powerful attack brought match point. Ultimately, it was Buchkov who sealed the deal for the final 25:23 and 3:1 sets.
The top scorer in the match was Todor Skrimov, who played a key role in the comeback with 21 points (+15 efficiency), including an impressive 5 aces, 1 block, and excellent 71% attack efficiency. He received strong support from Gordan Lyutskanov with 18 points, Yulian Veisig with 16, and Lazar Buchkov with 12 points.
For Neftochimic, Adi Osmanovic was the top scorer with 18 points, followed by Kaloyan Balabanov with 13, Martin Krastev with 12, and Ricardo Junior with 10 points.
Team Statistics:
| Indicator | Levski Sofia | Neftochimic 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 9 | 4 |
| Attack efficiency | 58% | 48% |
| Attack points | 58 | 51 |
| Positive reception | 49% | 47% |
| Aces | 8 | 8 |
| Service errors | 16 | 12 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 25 | 21 |
| Total points | 98 | 88 |
The key to Levski's success lay in their higher attack efficiency and significantly better blocking (9 vs 4). Although both teams were equal in serving (8 aces each), the "Blues" managed to exert more serious pressure through organized net play and better execution in decisive moments. The 10-point difference in the final score (98:88) reflects precisely this superiority in key elements.
Levski showed greater squad depth and better management of key moments, which proved decisive for the comeback. The final series is just beginning, but "the Blues" already hold the psychological advantage before the second match.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
