Mladost edge closer to #CLVolleyM group stage after home win over Levski
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Croatian Volleyball champions Mladost ZAGREB defeated Bulgarian champions Levski SOFIA 3-1 (25-15, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23) in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the CEV XTB Champions League Volley 2027 Men, after 94 minutes of play. With this victory, the Zagreb side moved one step closer to fulfilling their long-held dream of bringing the #CLVolleyM group stage back to the Dom odbojke arena for the first time in 27 years.
Mladost dominated from the very beginning, making it clear to the young Bulgarian team that victory in Zagreb would be extremely difficult. Apart from a 1-1 tie early in the opening set, Levski trailed throughout. Mladost comfortably took the first set 25-15, recording four aces and six blocks. Croatian international middle blocker Sven Jakopec was particularly impressive, scoring eight points in the opening set alone. Levski, whose squad includes as many as 12 players under the age of 20, attempted to put up some resistance but struggled against the inspired home side.
After Mladost had dominated the second set just as convincingly as the first, the visitors finally began to demonstrate their considerable talent in the third. Levski raced to a 5-1 lead following a four-point run and later extended their advantage to 8-2. Having comfortably won the first two sets to establish a 2-0 lead, the hosts appeared to ease off slightly, allowing Levski’s youngsters to take full advantage and showcase their undeniable potential. The Bulgarian side eventually claimed the third set 25-17.
Mladost responded immediately in the fourth set. After Levski took the opening point, the hosts scored four consecutive points, forcing the visitors to call a timeout. Mladost regained their rhythm, but Levski, sensing an opportunity to take more than just a respectable defeat from Zagreb, fought back to make the contest increasingly competitive. Mladost led 8-3 before Levski responded with a four-point run to close the gap to just one point. The momentum continued to swing, with Mladost immediately answering with three consecutive points to move ahead 11-7. The Zagreb side maintained control for much of the remainder of the set, although the visitors narrowed the deficit to 22-20 and then 24-23 in a tense finish. Ultimately, Jakopec sealed the set 25-23 with a decisive block, securing an important 3-1 victory for the home team.
Mladost head coach Toni Kovačević was understandably delighted with the victory: “I am very happy and satisfied with the win. Of course, we could have played better. The third set leaves a slightly bitter taste. Our opponents raised their level, while we started making mistakes and lost some confidence. Nevertheless, I have to be satisfied because we managed to bounce back in the fourth set, which is never easy after scoring only 17 points in the previous one. I was a little worried at that point, but our experience proved decisive. The players realised they had to respond, improve their performance and understand that nothing would be handed to them. And that is exactly what they did.”
Kovačević also emphasised that the tie is far from over: “Nothing has been decided yet. Everything will be settled in the second match in Bulgaria. We absolutely cannot afford to underestimate them. We saw how easily that can backfire, and the third set was clear proof of that. I believe our serving made the difference, particularly our float serves, where we successfully executed some of the tactical plans we had prepared. We hope to repeat that performance in Bulgaria and secure qualification for the next round. We do not see the fact that Mladost has not played in the Champions League group stage for such a long time as a burden. On the contrary, it is a huge motivation for us.”
Mladost finished the match with an advantage in blocking (14-8) and serve reception (65% vs 57%). Both teams scored 47 attack points, while Levski held a narrow advantage in aces (7 vs 6). The Bulgarian side also committed more errors (25 to 20).
Sven Jakopec was named MVP of the match, finishing as Mladost’s leading scorer with 16 points, including two aces and seven blocks. Levski’s Kristian Titryiski was the match top scorer with 25 points (including two aces and one block).
Mladost middle blocker and match MVP Sven Jakopec reflected on the performance:
“We started the match really well and played almost error-free Volleyball in the first two sets. We dropped our level a little in the third, while the players on the other side of the net stepped up and increased the pressure with their serving. Fortunately, we managed to stabilise our game in the fourth set. The return leg is already next week, and we are hoping for another victory.”
One of Levski’s more experienced players, 29-year-old Gordan Lyutskanov, who scored nine points, acknowledged the hosts’ strong performance:
“The home team started the match extremely well and served brilliantly. Once we adapted, the match became much more evenly contested. In the end, the hosts deserved their victory, but we still have the return leg in Sofia, where we intend to deliver a better performance.”
The return leg will take place in Sofia on November 11 at 8:00 PM local time.