Outside hitter Martin Atanasov of Bulgaria scores against Portugal during their round of 16 match in the FIVB Men’s World Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Monday (Sept. 22, 2025). Bulgaria won, 25-19, 25-23, 25-13, to advance in the quarterfinals. (Photo courtesy of philippineswch2025.com)
Bulgaria stamped its class over Portugal with a straight-sets victory, 25-19, 25-23, 25-13, on Monday to secure a spot in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship quarterfinals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Rising star Aleksander Nikolov powered the Bulgarians with 19 points built on 17 attacks, a block, and an ace, steering his team to the dominant win in just 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,” said Nikolov after the match.
Supporting him were Martin Atanasov with nine points (five attacks, three blocks, one ace) and team captain Aleks Grozdanov with eight markers (five attacks, two blocks, one ace). The win marks Bulgaria’s first appearance in the Top 8 since 2002.
The Bulgarians will next face the winner between USA and Slovenia in the knockout stage.
For Portugal, outside hitter Lourenco Martins led with 10 points (six attacks, three aces, one block), while Nuno Marques added six.
Already through to the quarterfinals are Turkiye, Poland, Italy, and Belgium.