Aleksandar Nikolov was instrumental with 26 points in a captivating, back-and-forth contest.
In a captivating five-set encounter, 12th-ranked Bulgaria triumphed over sixth-ranked Slovenia, securing their place in the eighthfinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines. This hard-fought victory in Pasay City on Monday marks Bulgaria`s second win in Pool E, guaranteeing them a spot among the top two teams. Meanwhile, Slovenia, experiencing their first defeat of the tournament, will now face Germany in a crucial match to determine the second eighthfinal qualifier from this pool. Chile, the fourth team in the group, is no longer in contention for the next stage.
Following a dominant start where Bulgaria decisively claimed the first two sets, Slovenia mounted an impressive comeback, leveling the match and forcing a decisive fifth set. They were on the verge of completing a remarkable reverse sweep, but in the crucial moments of the tie-breaker, the `Lions` of Bulgaria roared back to life. Aided by timely video challenges from their coaching staff, they shifted the momentum, securing a hard-earned 3-2 victory with set scores of 25-19, 25-14, 18-25, 23-25, 15-13. This win also awarded Bulgaria a significant 12.64 points in their FIVB World Ranking.
Bulgaria displayed superior performance across all key scoring metrics, outperforming Slovenia 13-9 in kill blocks, 56-52 in spike kills, and significantly, 11-4 in serving aces. The 21-year-old sensation, Aleksandar Nikolov, once again spearheaded the Bulgarian charge, motivating his team to a crucial victory against a formidable opponent and personally delivering the winning point at the match`s peak. Nikolov finished as the game`s top scorer with an impressive 26 points, which included two aces and a decisive block. Opposite hitter Asparuh Asparuhov contributed 17 points, tallying two aces and two blocks, along with a 62% success rate in attack. Middle blocker Iliya Petkov was outstanding at the net, accumulating 11 points from five kill blocks, five spike kills (with a 71% success rate), and an ace. Bulgaria`s emerging setter, 18-year-old Simeon Nikolov, also reached double figures, securing 10 points with four aces and six successful attacks at a 55% efficiency.
Slovenia demonstrated better precision in their play, committing fewer unforced errors (26) compared to Bulgaria (31). Opposite Toncek Stern led Slovenia`s scoring with 20 points, including two blocks. Their 20-year-old rising talent, Nik Mujanovic, contributed another 16 points, while outside hitter Ziga Stern added 13 points, featuring two aces.
The Pool E stage will conclude on Wednesday with two pivotal matches: Bulgaria will face Chile, while Slovenia and Germany will compete in a direct showdown for the final eighthfinal berth.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield