Romania and France booked their places in the CEV Enel EuroVolley quarterfinals with straight-set victories in Sofia.
Romania swept Ukraine to reach the last eight for the second consecutive edition. Alexandru Rață led the Romanian attack with 16 points and 55% efficiency, while Cristian-Daniel Chițigoi made a key contribution from the service line.
Ukraine pushed hard, particularly in a dramatic third set, but Romania held their nerve to close it 30-28. Ukraine’s 28 errors proved costly, while Romania held a 7-4 advantage in aces. Oleh Plotnytskyi led Ukraine with 15 points.
France advanced with a convincing sweep of Portugal, producing 57% attacking efficiency across the match. Trévor Clévenot and Mathis Henno scored 12 points each as Andrea Giani’s side kept control despite several Portuguese comeback attempts.
Alexandre Ferreira and Lourenço Martins led Portugal with 13 points apiece, but 28 team errors undermined their challenge.
Round of 16 results
Ukraine 0-3 Romania (22-25, 21-25, 28-30)
France 3-0 Portugal (25-21, 25-22, 25-21)
