Bulgaria's World Vice-Champions Face Ukraine in Silesia Cup Opener
The Bulgarian national volleyball team kicked off their participation in the prestigious Silesia Cup in Poland on May 20, 2026. The 2025 World Vice-Champions faced Ukraine in Sosnowiec. The match started at 21:00 and was broadcast live on MAX Sportr 1. The Bulgarian team, known as "Tricolores," played without Alexander Nikолов, Simeon Nikолов, and team captain Alex Grezdanov.
Bulgaria's Squad for Silesia Cup
The Bulgarian team traveled to the Silesia Cup with 14 volleyball players but without their three best players. The team is preparing for the Nations League, and the Silesia Cup is part of this preparation. After a day of rest, the Bulgarian team will play against Serbia and the Polish hosts in Katowice on May 22nd and 23rd, respectively.
Match Highlights
The match against Ukraine was closely contested. Dimitar Dimitrov scored early, but Ukraine responded with a powerful attack by Yuriy Sinitsa, taking a 3-0 lead. Iliya Petkov and Asparuh Asparuhov kept Bulgaria competitive, and the team eventually took the lead with a 12-10 score. A powerful attack by Iliya Petkov and a block by Venislav Antov sealed the first set for Bulgaria with a score of 25-21.
The second set was equally intense, with both teams trading points. Ukraine managed to take a 7-3 lead, but Bulgaria fought back to 12-12 and 13-13. Despite a strong performance by Venislav Antov and a prolonged dispute over a disputed point, Ukraine managed to secure the second set 29-27.
The third set was less eventful, with Bulgaria taking the lead with strong attacks by Denislav Bardarov and Venislav Antov. Bulgaria held their lead and won the set 25-21.
Wow, that was a nail-biting match! But Bulgaria showed their strength in the end. Do you think this will give them the momentum they need for the rest of the Silesia Cup? Let's hope so!