Slovenia ready for European League title decider

The Slovenian women’s national team will have one final opportunity to lift the CEV Volleyball European League trophy on Saturday, July 11, when they host Sweden in the second leg of the final at ŠD Vižmarje-Brod in Ljubljana. After a dramatic five-set battle in Örebro, Sweden claimed a narrow 3-2 victory in the opening match and will take a slight advantage into the return leg. However, Slovenia’s hopes remain very much alive. A home victory would force a decisive Golden Set, which would determine the 2025 European League champions.

The Slovenian squad returned home on Thursday following the first final and completed their final preparations on Friday, fully aware that they still have everything to play for.

Their experienced setter Eva Pavlović Mori believes the first leg showed that Slovenia can match Sweden, but stresses that the team must be more disciplined in the decisive moments: “The result of the first match was obviously not what we wanted, but we also proved that we can play at a very high level and that we are capable of beating Sweden,” said Pavlović Mori. “Now we simply have to finish the job. If we stick to our game plan and execute what we have been working on, I believe the result will be on our side. We have to put more pressure on them with our serve, but at the same time reduce the number of service errors compared to the first match. It will also be important to keep them away from the net, where our block and defence can become much more effective. Of course, we also need to limit Isabelle Haak’s impact because she is one of Sweden’s biggest strengths.” The Slovenian playmaker is convinced that the home crowd can make a significant difference: “Our supporters always give us an extra boost. We remained unbeaten at home throughout the competition, and the opportunity to play a Golden Set in front of our fans would be something really special.”

Middle blocker Nika Milošič admitted that the team was disappointed after letting several opportunities slip away in Sweden but says the players have quickly turned their focus towards the decisive encounter: “We knew it would be a difficult match and a demanding challenge. The result was disappointing because we had the match in our hands before letting it slip away. But after games like that, you have to reset mentally, remember that nothing is over and focus entirely on the next opportunity,” she said. According to Milošič, Slovenia’s biggest improvement must come from playing with greater confidence and aggressiveness. “We did not convert several important chances, while we handed too many points to our opponents. We know we are capable of much more than we showed in Sweden. If we play with more aggressiveness and show the level of Volleyball we know we can produce, I believe we can turn the result in our favour.”

She also expects the atmosphere in Ljubljana to provide an important advantage: “There is nothing like playing at home. Sweden had fantastic support in the first match, and now it will be our turn to feel that energy. Looking around the arena and seeing everyone cheering for you is an incredible feeling, and we are really looking forward to it.”

Head coach Alessandro Orefice remains optimistic despite the first-leg defeat and believes the focus must remain firmly on Slovenia’s own performance. “The hardest part is behind us,” said Orefice. “Now it is time to enjoy the occasion, leave everything on the court and focus on our side of the net. We played well in Sweden, but they were more efficient in a few transition situations. Tomorrow we need to attack with greater determination, improve our transition play and be more aggressive from the service line.” The Italian coach is also expecting the home crowd to provide the extra spark his team needs: “Playing a European final at home is something very special. Our fans will give us additional energy and support, and that makes us even more excited for this match.” 

Slovenia will now look to overturn the first-leg deficit and keep their European League dream alive in front of their home supporters. The decisive second leg begins at 20:30 local time at ŠD Vižmarje-Brod in Ljubljana.