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Advocates Philippines
Bulgarian Volleyball Squad Serves Up A Sweet Independence Day Win
Photo credit: FIVB
PASAY CITY, Philippines – Bulgaria’s men’s national volleyball team has given their country a remarkable reason to celebrate, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on their Independence Day.
In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Bulgarian squad swept Portugal in straight sets (25-19, 25-23, 25-13) during their eighth final match in Pasay City. This decisive victory not only propels them into the tournament’s top eight but also serves as a perfect gift to their nation on this special occasion.
The Bulgarians were in control from the start. Despite a late rally from Portugal in the first set, Bulgaria's middle blocker Iliya Petkov closed it out with a powerful kill. The second set proved to be a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows until a clutch block from Bulgarian opposite Asparuh Asparuhov sealed the win by the narrowest of margins. By the third set, Bulgaria was unstoppable, with a massive block from 21-year-old Preslav Petkov ending the match and their opponents' championship run.
Bulgaria's dominance at the net was a key factor in their success. They outplayed Portugal in spike kills (37-23) and, most impressively, in kill blocks (11-2). Leading the charge was 21-year-old star outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov, who delivered a match-high 19 points with 17 spike kills, one ace, and one block.
"I am feeling great! I am lost for words a little bit. We are in the top eight!" Nikolov shared with VBTV after the win. "We are gaining confidence with each game, with each set, with each point... And it is key to winning some big games like this one today."
While Portugal's Lourenco Martins led his team with 10 points and three aces, it wasn't enough to overcome Bulgaria's relentless attack. Portugal’s captain Alexandre Ferreira expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the tournament, especially considering it was the first World Championship for most of the young players.
Bulgaria now awaits its quarterfinal opponent, who will be determined later on Monday from the clash between USA and Slovenia. As they continue their quest for the championship title, the Bulgarian team can take pride in a victory that will be long remembered, not just for its sporting achievement, but also for its perfect timing on a day of national significance.
In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Bulgarian squad swept Portugal in straight sets (25-19, 25-23, 25-13) during their eighth final match in Pasay City. This decisive victory not only propels them into the tournament’s top eight but also serves as a perfect gift to their nation on this special occasion.
The Bulgarians were in control from the start. Despite a late rally from Portugal in the first set, Bulgaria's middle blocker Iliya Petkov closed it out with a powerful kill. The second set proved to be a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows until a clutch block from Bulgarian opposite Asparuh Asparuhov sealed the win by the narrowest of margins. By the third set, Bulgaria was unstoppable, with a massive block from 21-year-old Preslav Petkov ending the match and their opponents' championship run.
Bulgaria's dominance at the net was a key factor in their success. They outplayed Portugal in spike kills (37-23) and, most impressively, in kill blocks (11-2). Leading the charge was 21-year-old star outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov, who delivered a match-high 19 points with 17 spike kills, one ace, and one block.
"I am feeling great! I am lost for words a little bit. We are in the top eight!" Nikolov shared with VBTV after the win. "We are gaining confidence with each game, with each set, with each point... And it is key to winning some big games like this one today."
While Portugal's Lourenco Martins led his team with 10 points and three aces, it wasn't enough to overcome Bulgaria's relentless attack. Portugal’s captain Alexandre Ferreira expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the tournament, especially considering it was the first World Championship for most of the young players.
Bulgaria now awaits its quarterfinal opponent, who will be determined later on Monday from the clash between USA and Slovenia. As they continue their quest for the championship title, the Bulgarian team can take pride in a victory that will be long remembered, not just for its sporting achievement, but also for its perfect timing on a day of national significance.
Sep 22, 2025
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