The volleyball players from the Bulgarian national team recorded their first victory in the League of Nations.
Gianlorenzo Blengini's students won over Iran 3:0 (25:23, 25:18, 25:21) in a match from the VNL tournament in Brasilia (Brazil).
The 2025 world vice-champions yesterday lost to Belgium 1:3 in their first match at the “Nilsson Nelson” hall in the capital of Brazil.
In their next match, on June 13 (Saturday) at 21:30, Bulgaria will face Argentina.
A block by Asparuh Asparuhov and Alex Grozdanov and Bulgaria took a 2:0 lead at the beginning of the second half. Martin Atanasov attacked powerfully from zone 2 - 3:1. Ali Hadjipour attacked in the outfield - 4:1. A powerful attack by Asparuh Asparuhov on the diagonal from zone 4 - 6:3. An excellent attack by Iliya Petkov in the center 8:5. Moni Nikolov released the ball for 9:6.
Alex Grozdanov attacked in the center for 10:7. Alexander Nikolov attacked in depth for 11:8. Block by Alexander Nikolov and 13:9. Roberto Piazza took a break for Iran. A magnificent attack by Asparuh Asparuhov from the second line 14:10. Alexander Nikolov managed a double block 16:13. Pipe by Alexander Nikolov and 17:14. Brutal attack by Alexander Nikolov and 18:15. Single block by Alexander Nikolov - 19:15.
Roberto Piazza took the second break for Iran. Technical attack by Alexander Nikolov and the score became 20:16. Another excellent attack by Alexander Nikolov - 21:17. Technical pipe by Asparuh Asparuhov - 22:18. Block by Martin Atanasov and Alex Grozdanov - 23:18. Triple Bulgarian blockade brought the success of the national team in the second half with 25:18.
Technical attack by Alexander Nikolov and 3:3 at the beginning of the third half. Great combination Moni Nikolov - Alex Grozdanov and 9:8. Powerful attack by Moni Nikolov and 14:13. Powerful attack by Alex Grozdanov in the center 15:14. Pipe by Alexander Nikolov 16:15. Moni Nikolov saved an incredible ball in defense, which led to a point for Bulgaria - 17:16.
Perfect combination Moni Nikolov - Alexander Nikolov and 19:18. Counterattack by Alexander Nikolov - 20:18. Roberto Piazza took a break for Iran. Ace by Alexander Nikolov and 22:19. Double Bulgarian blockade - 23:19. Attack in the center by Iliya Petkov and match point 24:21. A powerful attack by Martin Atanasov and Bulgaria won the third set with 25:21 and the match with a 3:0 game.
Above all in the Bulgarian team was again Alexander Nikolov with 24 points (1 ace, 4 blocks, 56% efficiency in attack).
The captain Alex Grozdanov also finished with a double-digit point asset - 11 points (5 blocks).
For Iran, Poriya Hussein and Ali Hajipour scored 11 points each.
BULGARIA - IRAN 3:0 (25:23, 25:18, 25:21)
BULGARIA: Simeon Nikolov 3, Alexander Nikolov 24, Martin Atanasov 3, Asparuh Asparuhov 8, Alex Grozdanov 11, Iliya Petkov 5 - Damyan Kolev-libero (Jasmin Velichkov, Stoil Palev)
Head Coach: GIANLORENZO BLENZINI
IRAN: Arshia Behnejad, Ali Hajipour 11, Poriya Hossein 11, Morteza Sharifi 8, Mohammad Valizadeh 5, Sayed Eisya 2 - Mohammadreza Hazratpourtalatapeh-Libero (Yousef Kazemi)
Head Coach: ROBERTO PIAZZA.