Sweden claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Slovenia in the first leg of the Women’s European League final in Örebro, recovering from a 2-1 deficit to take a narrow advantage into the return match.
Led by star opposite Isabelle Haak, Sweden produced a resilient display in front of 1,400 spectators at Idrottshuset. Haak scored an outstanding 35 points and delivered the decisive finish in the fifth set as the home side completed a comeback.
Sweden made a strong start, using aggressive serving and powerful attacking to take the opening set 25-18. Slovenia responded well, however, winning the next two sets 25-21 and 25-17 to move within one set of an away victory.
The fourth set proved crucial. Slovenia had two set points late in the set but could not convert them, allowing Sweden to level the match with a 27-25 win. The hosts then held their nerve in the deciding set.
Slovenia led 10-7 in the tie-break, but Sweden fought back. Haak brought the score level at 11-11, put Sweden ahead at 13-12 and then finished the final rally to secure the win.
Fatoumatta Sillah led Slovenia with 29 points, while captain Saša Planinšec said the visitors had given everything despite losing key moments late in the match.
The teams will meet again in Ljubljana on Saturday, where Slovenia will look to overturn the result in front of home supporters.
Result: Sweden 3-2 Slovenia (25-18, 21-25, 17-25, 27-25, 15-13)
