Serbia`s opposite hitter, Dražen Luburić, delivered a stellar 20-point performance, leading his team to a decisive sweep over Ukraine in Ljubljana and securing their second victory in the Volleyball Nations League 2025.
Dražen Luburić in action, blocking Ukraine`s Tymofii Poluian.
Serbia achieved a potentially pivotal result in their quest to avoid relegation in the Volleyball Nations League 2025 on Friday, comprehensively defeating Ukraine in their second match held in Ljubljana.
With only two matches remaining in the Preliminary Phase, the Serbian team showcased arguably their finest form in the VNL 2025, securing a surprising 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) sweep against their European opponents at the Arena Stožice. This victory significantly bolstered their chances of avoiding relegation heading into the weekend.
This win broke an eight-match losing streak for Serbia in the VNL 2025, lifting them from the bottom of the standings to 17th place with two wins and six points. While they could potentially drop back to 18th if the Netherlands (one win, five points) defeat Canada later today, Serbia still has two matches left to accumulate more wins and points, whereas the Dutch have only one remaining fixture.
Key opposite hitter Dražen Luburić was pivotal in securing Serbia`s first victory in over a month, amassing an impressive 20 points against Ukraine, comprising 17 kills, two blocks, and one ace. Outside hitters Pavle Perić, a recent addition to the squad, and team captain Marko Ivović also made significant contributions, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively.
For Ukraine, opposite Vasyl Tupchii led the scoring with 15 points (14 kills, one block). Outside hitter Dmytro Yanchuk and middle blocker Yurii Semeniuk, the team captain, each contributed ten points.
Despite this loss, Ukraine remains within the qualification zone for the Finals, holding seventh place with six wins and 18 points. However, they will face a tough challenge to maintain their position through the weekend.
France Halts Cuba`s Winning Streak in Gdańsk
Meanwhile, in Gdańsk, reigning champions France demonstrated their prowess by delivering Cuba their first defeat at the Ergo Arena, after Cuba`s two consecutive victories this week. France clinched the match in a five-set thriller, 3-2 (20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21, 15-9).
This triumph elevated the current Olympic champions to third place in the VNL standings, with seven wins and 20 points. Cuba, despite the loss, remains within the qualification zone, ranked sixth with six victories and 19 points.
Opposite hitter Théo Faure led all scorers with 20 points (19 kills, one ace). Outside hitter Trévor Clévenot also had a strong showing, contributing 18 points (14 kills, three aces, one block).
French outside hitter Mathis Henno commented on the victory, stating, “We are extremely happy as it was a very challenging and crucial match. We acknowledge Cuba as a formidable team and aimed to push hard against them. It wasn`t simple, but we achieved the desired outcome, and we are proud of it.”
For Cuba, opposite Jose Masso was their most effective attacker, with 17 points (13 kills, three aces, one block). Outside hitters Marlon Yant and Miguel Ángel López also contributed significantly, scoring 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick