CSKA overcame Epicentr-Podolyany Horodok in the first leg of the Challenge Cup's Round of 32. Sasho Popov's boys defeated the symbolic Ukrainian hosts 1-3 (25-22, 20-25, 23-25, 23-25) and are one win away from the tournament's Round of 16. The second leg will be played tomorrow, also at 6 PM, in the "Hristo Botev" hall in the capital.
The former player of the Ukrainians and current "Army man" Nikolay Penchev scored the most points.

The former national player did not succumb to unnecessary sentimentality and finished with 15 points, achieving 67% positive reception and 38% perfect reception on his strongest element.

Stefan Chavdarov added 13 points (2 aces and 4 blocks),

and Rado Parapunov, who came in for Barzakovych, contributed 10 points (1 ace and 1 block).

For the Ukrainians, Maksym Drozd and Dmytro Yanchuk finished with double-digit scores, both with 14 points.
The two teams exchanged one set each, with the "reds'" better concentration in the last two sets allowing them to finish as winners. Of note is the good performance of Rado Parapunov, who played his first international match of the new season with the "Army men". With a win tomorrow, CSKA will face Belgian Decospan (Menen) in the Round of 16.

Photos: Nikolay Varadinov