MANILA – Bulgaria defeated Portugal, 25-19, 25-23, 25-13, Monday to qualify for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship quarterfinals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Aleksander Nikolov scored 19 points off 17 attacks, one block and an ace in leading the Bulgarians to victory after one hour and 33 minutes.
“I am super happy we are in the top eight. We were confident. 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,” Nikolov said after the match.
Martin Atanasov chipped in nine (5 attacks, three blocks and one ace) points while skipper Aleks Grozdanov had eight points (five attacks, two blocks and one ace) for Bulgaria, which made it to the Top 8 for the first time since 2002.
Bulgaria will face the winner between the USA and Slovenia in the next round.
Outside hitter Lourenco Martins led Portugal with 10 points off six attacks, three aces and one block, while Nuno Marques contributed six points.
Already in the quarterfinals were Turkiye, Poland, Italy, and Belgium. (PNA)
