The derby between CSKA and Levski did not live up to expectations for tension and a high level, as this time the champions showed greater stability in decisive moments. The "Blues" controlled a large part of the match and achieved a convincing 3:0 victory (25:17, 25:19, 25:19) in one of the most anticipated matches of the Super League round. The "Army Men" were without the injured Hamish Hazelden, while the "Blues" were missing captain Svetoslav Gotsev.
The success solidified Levski's leading position in the standings one round before the end of the regular season. CSKA tried to resist, but could not find enough effectiveness in attack against the champions' stable play.
CSKA has not defeated Levski for more than four years, with the "Reds'" last success being on February 12, 2022, with a 3:2 victory (25:23, 23:25, 25:22, 21:25, 15:13) in "Vasil Simov" Hall. Since then, the two teams have met for the 12th time, with their matches most often ending in three sets \u2013 a total of six.
First Set
The start was even, and both teams remained close in score in the initial rallies. After a service run by Todor Skrimov and stable play in attack, Levski managed to pull away in the score.
Strong play by Julian Weisig and Gordan Lyutskanov allowed the "Blues" to extend their lead towards the end of the set. An attack by Lyutskanov made it a final 25:17.
Second Set
The second set started evenly, and neither team managed to take the initiative until 9:9. Gradually, Levski found their rhythm in attack and started to build a lead.
Julian Weisig was the main attacking weapon for the champions. After a strong attack against the block, he made it 21:15, and Levski closed the set at 25:19.
Third Set
Levski started more confidently and took a 5:3 lead, but CSKA managed to equalize at 5:5. After that, the "Blues" once again asserted control through stable serving and effective attacking.
The lead gradually increased, and the champions reached match point at 24:17 after a pipe attack by Gordan Lyutskanov. An error by the "Reds" brought the final score to 25:19 and a 3:0 victory.
Stoil Palev was chosen as the MVP of the match. The setter finished with 5 points (+1), including 3 aces and 1 block.
The top scorer for Levski was Julian Weisig with 20 points (+12) and 73% attack efficiency, while Gordan Lyutskanov added 12 points. For CSKA, only Nikolay Penchev reached double digits with 10 points.
Team Statistics
| Metric | CSKA | Levski |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Attack Efficiency | 45% | 65% |
| Points from attack | 29 | 45 |
| Positive reception | 55% | 67% |
| Aces | 0 | 8 |
| Service errors | 14 | 17 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 22 | 18 |
| Total points | 55 | 75 |
The team statistics clearly show Levski's advantage in attack and serve. The "Blues" scored significantly more points from attack and made 8 aces, which proved crucial for the outcome of the match.
The better reception also allowed the champions to play more varied in attack. It was this stability in the main elements that brought Levski the convincing victory and the leading position before the last round.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
