The Czech VK "Karlovarsko", led by former assistant coach of Bulgaria (Stefano Mascia), failed to oppose Bulgarian Alex Nikolov and Lube Civitanova, losing in 1 hour and 6 minutes with a score of 0:3 (16-25, 18-25, 14-25) in the first leg of the 1/16 finals of the Challenge Cup, played in Karlovy Vary. Nikolov, recovering from surgery, was the top scorer with 14 points (1 ace and 4 blocks), and registered 33% positive reception. The Bulgarian scored double digits for the first time since returning to the court after surgery. Adis Lagumdzija and Mattia Bottolo added 13 points each for the victory. No player from the host team scored in double digits.
The hosts took the lead in the first set, but the visitors very soon equalized (8:8), after which they gave no chance to the opponent until the end of the set. The second set unfolded in a similar scenario; again, the hosts managed to take the lead, but after several equalizations, the visitors took matters into their own hands, and Mattia Bottolo ended the game with a score of 18:25.
.jfif?width=800&height=600&resize=contain&quality=85 "815/2000 (1).jfif")
Gaining momentum, Lube started the third set with a whirlwind, reaching 1:9 in their favor, maintaining a 10-point difference for most of the game. Alex Nikolov played at the beginning of the third set, after which he was substituted. Again, Mattia Bottolo ended the game and the match. Lube's volleyball players finished with 11 aces and 7 point blocks against 5 and 3 for the opponent.
Mattia Bottolo was named MVP of the match.
.jfif?width=800&height=600&resize=contain&quality=85 "815/2000 (4).jfif")
Thus, the return match on November 20 in Civitanova seems to be decided in favor of the Italian team.
On Sunday, November 17, at 7:00 PM Bulgarian time, the team will face Valsa Group Modena on home ground in the "Eurosuole Forum", striving to maintain their winning home streak in the 8th round of SuperLega Credem Banca 2024/25.
From now on, the team will play at a rhythm of two matches per week until the Club World Championship, which will be held from December 10 to 15 in Brazil. For Lube, it will be essential to empty the infirmary and use every opportunity for training in the hall despite the many official commitments.
