Despite missing star players Oleh Plotnytskyi and Vasyl Tupchii, Ukraine clinched a well-deserved victory in the CEV Golden League. Overcoming the previously undefeated Croatia and the formidable Czechia, Ukraine dominated the finals.
In the semi-finals, Ukraine convincingly defeated Czechia, setting the stage for an intense final against Croatia. The final match, held in Osijek’s Gradski Vrt, saw Ukraine overcome Croatia 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 28-26, 25-19) in a thrilling 134-minute showdown, handing Croatia their first defeat of the season.
Croatia had a strong start, leading early in the first set and securing a 25-23 win. However, Ukraine bounced back in the second set with a 25-19 victory. The third set was fiercely contested, with Ukraine edging out Croatia 28-26. In the fourth set, Ukraine sealed their triumph with a decisive 25-19 win.
Both teams will compete in the FIVB Challenger Cup in China, aiming for a spot in the prestigious Volleyball Nations League.
